Ireland Before the Famine, 1798-1848

by Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Gearoid O. Tuathaigh

This outstanding survey of Irish history between 1798 and the Famine looks at the origins, course and consequences of the changes which swept through Irish life in the period. It traces the rise of modern Irish nationalism and the parallel decline and collapse of the old eighteenth-century social structure. "A well-written and masterly piece of compact description."-Irish Independent." "It explains carefully and clearly the main themes and problems of a complicated period in which so many of the attitudes and permanent social features of modern Ireland were crystallized."-Studies Ireland. Before The Famine 1798-1848 originally appeared as volume nine of the Gill History of Ireland. It remains the only survey volume dealing specifically with the first half of the nineteenth century.

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction, 19th Century, Irish Literature

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Tiarnán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very solid overview of the pre-famine era in Ireland, covering the rise and decline of colonial nationalism in the last quarter of the 18th century, through the post-Napoleonic depression, and the crisis years of the Famine itself. Offers an accessible overview of O'Connell's political career, the economy and class relations of the period, the structures of the state, popular culture and everyday life, and the mid-century emergence of Young Ireland-style romantic nationalism that was to play such a defining role in modern Irish politics.

'Balanced' and even-handed, doing justice to the complexity of its topic, without conceding too much to revisionist apologetics for landlords and British government incompetency; though the concluding chapter on the Famine lacks any real moral bite and falls back on a more wishy-washy position that reflects the soft hegemony of 'revisionism' even among the best of professional academic historians.

[Ronan Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent concise overview of Ireland between the United Irishmen and the Famine. Despite its age, it remains a very balanced and readable overview of the country in this key period. Definitely recommended if you're interested in learning more about the topic.

[Venus O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the only early-modern Irish history books accessible to beginner Americans. Great writing style, feels like listening to a well thought out lecture. Leaps and bounds better than similar books, and a refreshing departure from the political history focus of most published books on the time period.

[Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conciso y claro, el libro navega por el período 1798-1848 analizando diferentes puntos y dando un paneo general de la situación completo y útil para ponerse en contexto.
Yo personalmente no tenía idea de muchas de las cosas que se cuentan, aprendí un montón sobre el período, no solo por la presentación de hechos si no también por los buenos análisis que hace el autor.

[David Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, he was once my professor, but this book is a classic for a reason. Few can sum up an eventful era with clarity without pledging allegiance to any theoretical school like Gearoid. Could listen to the man talk Irish history for days.

[Dan O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - as weird as that sounds. I've been able to expand my knowledge on subjects and issues that I really only knew in passing.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic to see what Ireland once was, and a curious account of political awakening on this Island.