I’m looking for a good, fairly comprehensive starting source on the Irish Great Hunger of 1845-49, and in particular the British policies leading up to it and ramifications (the “Irish Diaspora”) resulting from it. I’ve read O’Grada’s An Economic History of Ireland, but I’m looking for something more specific, and that is still in print. Any suggestions from the historians out there?
Stranger
I’m torn between GQ and CS.
flips coin
Moved from IMHO to GQ
Cecil Woodham-Smith’s the Great Hunger is one I’ve had recommended (I saw it in all the bookstores, it seems, in Dublin). I’ve read it, and am very impressed:
I second CalMeacheam’s recommendation of The Great Hunger. It’s a well-written, riveting history.
Woodham-Smith’s account of the Charge of the Light Brigrade, The Reason Why, is also top notch reading. She’s an excellent writer.
Sorry, Model; I had the same internal debate, but figured it was more of an opinion/survey than a GQ topic and being a little to genecidal for Cafe sprecht. Gabhaim pardún agat!
I was looking at this one; there are some equivical comments on Amazon but it also seems to address the political issues rather than just treating it as an incidental famine. Thanks; I’ll look for this one at the bookstore.
Stranger
This book also has a chapter on the Great Hunger, as Lord Lucan had estates in Ireland. Some of the descriptions of the sufferers bring to mind scenes from Night of the Living Dead: