The Great Irish Famine

New Studies in Economic and Social History

by Cormac Ó Gráda

The Irish Famine of 1846-50 was one of the great disasters of the nineteenth century. Cormac Ó Gráda's concise survey puts the Famine in the context of the Irish economy, assesses the Famine itself, and discusses its many consequences. Despite a devastating food shortage, the huge death toll of one million was hardly inevitable; a less doctrinaire attitude to famine relief could perhaps have saved many lives. This book provides an up-to-date introduction to an event of major importance in the history of nineteenth-century Ireland and Britain.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

108 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1989

Reviews

[Thomas Cafe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to the Famine that I wish I’d have read before my essay on nineteenth-century rural Ireland... One less star because I’m not one hundred per cent convinced of the concluding ‘accident’ thesis. But, for something so short and introductory, it’s great.

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dated, but solid introduction to the history and historiography of the Irish famine. While lacking attention to British colonization, it is a balanced interpretation and a considered - and short - entree into the field.

[Bill38silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short tantalising introduction to this tragic event in Irish History from a distinguished writer. The book is from an economic and social point of view and, indeed, the author apologises for the unavoidable use of economic jargon set out helpfully in a short glossary, phrases such as Pareto optimum, age-cohort depletion and the never to be forgotten Boserupian view of potato diffusion as a lagged response to demographic change. Small wonder I did badly in my study of economic history at A level 50+ years ago. To find out what these phrases mean in context you need to read this book.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this useful starter and I am encouraged to read more about this transformational subject.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short useful introduction to the Irish Famine, analytical throughout. Argues the famine was simply a deeply unlucky accident due to an invasive blight, rather than fundamentally a Malthusian inevitability or a genocide (though individual policy choices see blame.)

[Persephone Marie O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Ó Gráda illustrates the economic and politics behind the famine brilliantly, his conclusion goes against evidence that he has presented. Great read for historians.

[Méabh Ní · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this right before my exam and honestly so useful

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking.