Summary

At the heart of this complete, scholarly survey are the unraveling of fact from opinion, the interpretation of motives behind the London government's responses, and the confrontation of stereotypes. This Great Calamity is an exceptional book.

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A comprehensive look at the Irish Famine of 1845-1852, and the relief effort that may have intensified its effectsA watershed event in the history of Ireland, the Irish Famine dramatically altered the economic and social fabric of the country -- by 1847 over 2 million Irish people had either died or emigrated.This comprehensive book examines the causes and consequences of the catastrophe, and focuses on how the relief efforts often prolonged the crisis.