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Anarchy and Authority: Irish Encounters with Romanov Russia
In Anarchy and Authority, readers follow contemporaneous accounts of Irish men and women who ventured into the Russian empire during the two long centuries of Romanov rule. Human connections, political intrigues, cultural cross-pollination mesh with sweeping historical narratives in the story of the island and the empire.
Meticulously researched and energetically told, these are the stories of Irish residents, travellers and migrants to Russia from that time, ranging from diplomats and governesses, to early tourists, travel writers, soldiers, servants and even a revolutionary music-teacher. From the Irishmen and women who benefitted from the imperial wars waged by the Russian state, to those Irish observers who bore witness to the horrors of serfdom and the oppression of dissenting voices.
Anarchy and Authority brings to vivid life these Irish perspectives. Their fascinating insights and unique depths of field give increasing relevance to the turbulent geo-politics of modern times.
Meticulously researched and energetically told, these are the stories of Irish residents, travellers and migrants to Russia from that time, ranging from diplomats and governesses, to early tourists, travel writers, soldiers, servants and even a revolutionary music-teacher. From the Irishmen and women who benefitted from the imperial wars waged by the Russian state, to those Irish observers who bore witness to the horrors of serfdom and the oppression of dissenting voices.
Anarchy and Authority brings to vivid life these Irish perspectives. Their fascinating insights and unique depths of field give increasing relevance to the turbulent geo-politics of modern times.
320 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2025
About the author
Angela Byrne
4 booksDr Angela Byrne is a historian, editor, broadcaster and educator. Her latest book is FINDING MARY: THE UNTOLD STORY OF AN INISHOWEN MURDER, 1844.
Angela is passionate about bringing to life the experiences of women and migrants in the past.
Angela is an editor with the Dictionary of Irish Biography, based in the Royal Irish Academy. She is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Member of the Irish Association for Professional Historians, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Angela previously held research and lecturing positions at the universities of Toronto, Greenwich, Ulster, and Maynooth, and at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. She has published widely and has held research fellowships across Europe and North America.
Angela is passionate about bringing to life the experiences of women and migrants in the past.
Angela is an editor with the Dictionary of Irish Biography, based in the Royal Irish Academy. She is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Member of the Irish Association for Professional Historians, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Angela previously held research and lecturing positions at the universities of Toronto, Greenwich, Ulster, and Maynooth, and at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. She has published widely and has held research fellowships across Europe and North America.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 10, 2026
My favourite story is of the Irish maid Eleanor Cavanagh - would love to see this as a used as the basis for a novel.
Did not realise letters and diaries would be passed around and sometimes published and so they were written with that in mind.
Loved the groupings and short intro chapter ahead of each section.
Full of interesting characters, meticulously researched but yet also an easy read.
Did not realise letters and diaries would be passed around and sometimes published and so they were written with that in mind.
Loved the groupings and short intro chapter ahead of each section.
Full of interesting characters, meticulously researched but yet also an easy read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review