"After the reader shall, have perused the annexed startling and extraordinary narrative, on which I have founded the tale of the Tithe-Proctor, I am sure he will admit that there is very little left me to say in the shape of a preface. It is indeed rarely, that ever a document, at once so authentic and powerful, has been found prefixed to any work of modern Irish Fiction—proceeding as it does, let me add, from the pen of a gentleman whose unassuming character and modesty are only surpassed by the distinction which his name has already gained in one of the most difficult but useful departments of our native literature."
William Carleton was an Irish writer and novelist best known for his Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, a collection of ethnic sketches of the stereotypical Irishman.
This Irish author seems to have been a prolific writer of Irish fiction regarding social and political issues. This particular story is a fiction account of a true event and hits upon grievances and the manner the lower classes of Ireland set about attempting to regain control of their lands, lower rents, and avoid what were the payments called tithe, which went to the ministry of the Protestant Church.
Many Irish were transported as convicts to Australia, and this gives a bit of an insight into what caused a great deal of political upheavel and shows both sides of the story.