The Great Famine by John Percival

by John Percival

The Irish famine of 1845-51 was the greatest tragedy of its day. A million Irish men, women and children died, mostly from disease resulting from months of slow starvation. Hundreds of thousands were evicted and left destitute. One and a half million more fled the country, mainly to the United States, taking with them the horrors of hunger, disease and despair. The Great Famine tells the story of this huge tragedy, from the social background to the famine in the impoverished Ireland of the day, through its devastating course as people died in their starving thousands, to its lasting legacy in fueling the Irish independence movement. The author draws on the oral traditions which have passed stories of the famine down through generations in story and song as well as original letters and first-hand accounts to try to separate myths from history. Percival's book is essential to a deeper understanding of "the Irish question" and the roots of the Troubles today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ireland

Hardcover

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[Bill38silver]

This is a well-written, well-illustrated narrative. It is the third book I have read on this tragedy in recent months and equally as illuminating. Some extracts are horrific, shocking and beggar belief at man and authority's inhumanity to man. There are also some key insights for example that those desperate or without choice but to emigrate needed to have what amounts to 4 years pay to afford their passage, an option beyond the poorest of the poor.

The only negative is the final two chapters which focus on what happened to the Irish after the Great Famine in America (and Canada)and Who is to blame. Comparisons with the Holocaust and genocide in Rwanda (at about the time the book was written in the 1990s) try to make a political point but fall flat. A 2023 reprint presumably would make a point of supposing if uncaring countries react to mass emigration with a policy of "Stop the Boats" from getting in where we live and treating people with little or nothing as criminals.

[Susan Miller]

This was a well written account of the causes, behavior, politics and results surrounding the potato famine in Ireland in 1845 - 1851. The book is quite factual and does not necessarily take sides in the dispute of who or what is to blame for the more than 4 million deaths that occurred during these years In Ireland. The book covers both the people in Ireland who remained and those who chose or were forced to immigrate principally to Britian, Canada and the United States. The book was horrific in parts but, I feel, accurately relays the results of this natural disaster that was exacerbated by the actions of the English Parliament. A short book at less than 200 pages, but long enough to adequately cover the event and it's results in the world today.

I donated this book to a Little Free Library in Savannah, GA.

[Matthew Eyre]

Powerful, well researched companion to the Channel 4 series (which I haven't seen) which unequivocally sides with the Irish as the victims because, and this is important, with very rare exceptions the English used the country as a cash cow, remorselessly squeezing every last drop of monetary from it. Harrowing in places, and of course the final chapter in the relationship between the two land masses of the British Isles has still yet to be written....

[Jeff Bobin]

Brief but informative look at the cause and impact of the famine in Ireland in the mid 1800s.

This examines the history of potatoes in Ireland, the impact on their economy and well being. It examines why the crops failed for several years and for the industry and government attempts to address the challenges.

[ok]

This book was totally indispensable during my research, even if it doesn't classify as "scholarly." Had some bits of bias but overall just full of information, totally readable, and seriously helpful.

[Harry Stevens]

A good introduction to the topic that succinctly breaks down the origins of the famine and its impacts.

[Luke Clarke]

Balanced. Accessible. Emotive. OUTSTANDING. Superb account of the horrors of the famine in Ireland.

[Bart]

The Great Famine of 1845-1851 resulted in the deaths of at least one million Irish. Ireland was dependent on the potato as the primary staple. The blight affected northern Europe as well but other areas weren't as dependent on the potato as their main source of nutrition. The famine was greatly excerbated but the lack of assistance by Great Britain. Britain provided assistance early in the famine but it was not sustained and never enough. The author, John Percival, does a nice job discussing the various factors and outcomes from this period. He did a wonderful job until his silly political simplication he shared at the end of the book.

[Margaret]

It's hard to rate a book as "really liked," when it's the story of such a terrible portion of history. However, it gave me a far more clear understanding of the devastating potato famine, including historic background and outcomes. The descriptions were very vivid as were the illustrations - not always agreeable to read.
Choosing not to see famine is no more an acceptable option now than it was in the 1840's.

[Belle]

The subject matter wasn't always easy reading but the structure of the book made it very easy to navigate. I read this some years ago but would still recommend it. Lots of info and while I'm not sure it's entirely without bias, I have found this book to be particularly memorable; due to the simplicity of its layout and the shocking events told. Unforgivable consequences of greed along with colonial and religious bigotry.

[Avi]

This book was totally indispensable during my research, even if it doesn't classify as "scholarly." Had some bits of bias but overall just full of information, totally readable, and seriously helpful.

[Eunice]

Disturbing to read the part that greed and prejudice played in the suffering of poor people.