The History of the Great Irish Famine of 1847 (3rd ed.) (1902) With Notices of Earlier Irish Famines By: John O'Rourke
In the extensively researched and meticulously presented book by John O'Rourke, The History of the Great Irish Famine of 1847, readers are presented with a comprehensive account of one of the most tragic periods in Irish history. Originally published in 1902, this third edition stands as a testament to O'Rourke's dedication to preserving the memory and understanding of the devastating famine that struck Ireland. O'Rourke begins by delving into the historical context, providing readers with an in-depth explanation of the factors leading up to the famine. His insights into the agrarian situation, economic policies, and political climate shed light on the vulnerabilities that exacerbated the catastrophe. From these foundations, he seamlessly guides readers through the timeline of events, exploring the famine's impact on the Irish population. One of the book's remarkable features is its focus on not just the Great Famine of 1847 but also the earlier Irish famines. O'Rourke skillfully weaves together accounts from various points in history, allowing readers to grasp the cyclical nature of deprivation and suffering experienced by the Irish people. By broadening the perspective, this book becomes more than just a documentation of a single event; it becomes a historical exploration of the recurring misfortunes faced by a nation. The author's attention to detail is commendable. O'Rourke provides copious statistical data and documents from the era, supplementing his narrative with primary sources that substantiate his claims. This meticulous approach instills confidence in readers, ensuring that they receive an accurate and reliable account of the famine. Furthermore, his inclusion of eyewitness testimonies breathes life into the pages, allowing readers to empathize with the unimaginable hardships endured by both rural and urban communities during this time. Another strength of O'Rourke's work is his commitment to examining the immediate and long-term impact of the famine. He delves into the demographic consequences, the mass emigration of desperate individuals, and the social upheaval that followed. By exploring these ramifications, the author underscores the significant and lasting consequences of the famine, effects that are still being felt in Ireland today. If there is one criticism to be leveled, it would be the occasionally dense prose. O'Rourke's extensive research occasionally overshadows the readability of the narrative, making it a more challenging read for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. However, for those wishing to delve deep into the complexities of this historical event, the wealth of information provided will undoubtedly be appreciated. In conclusion, John O'Rourke's The History of the Great Irish Famine of 1847 (3rd ed.) (1902) With Notices of Earlier Irish Famines is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Great Irish Famine and its broader historical significance. O'Rourke's dedication to capturing the nuances of the period, coupled with his meticulous research and insightful analysis, make this book an essential addition to any historical library. Anyone interested in the history of Ireland, social justice, or the human condition will find themselves captivated by this masterfully crafted narrative. First Page: THE HISTORY OF THE GREAT IRISH FAMINE OF 1847, WITH NOTICES OF EARLIER IRISH FAMINES. BY THE REV. JOHN O'ROURKE, P.P., M.R.I.A. THIRD EDITION. Dublin: JAMES DUFFY AND CO., LTD., 15 WELLINGTON QUAY. 1902. [ The right of translation and reproduction is reserved. ] TO MY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN THIS NARRATIVE OF ONE OF THE MOST TERRIBLE EPISODES IN THE CHEQUERED HISTORY OF OUR NATIVE LAND, IS RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. PREFACE. The Author of this volume has, for a considerable time, been of opinion, that the leading facts of the Great Irish Famine of 1847 ought to be put together without unnecessary delay. Several reasons occurred to him why such a work should be done: the magnitude of the Famine itself; the peculiarity of its immediate cause; its influence on the destiny of the Irish Race. That there should be no unnecessary delay in performing the task was sufficiently proved, he thought, by the fact, that testimony of the most valuable kind, namely, contemporary testimony, was silently but rapidly passing away with the generation that had witnessed the Scourge. Having made up his mind to undertake such a work, the Author's first preparation for it was, to send query sheets to such persons as were supposed to be in possession of information on the subject... Continue reading book >>

The History of the Great Irish Famine of 1847 (3rd ed.) (1902) With Notices of Earlier Irish Famines By: John O'Rourke

In the extensively researched and meticulously presented book by John O'Rourke, The History of the Great Irish Famine of 1847, readers are presented with a comprehensive account of one of the most tragic periods in Irish history. Originally published in 1902, this third edition stands as a testament to O'Rourke's dedication to preserving the memory and understanding of the devastating famine that struck Ireland.

O'Rourke begins by delving into the historical context, providing readers with an in-depth explanation of the factors leading up to the famine. His insights into the agrarian situation, economic policies, and political climate shed light on the vulnerabilities that exacerbated the catastrophe. From these foundations, he seamlessly guides readers through the timeline of events, exploring the famine's impact on the Irish population.

One of the book's remarkable features is its focus on not just the Great Famine of 1847 but also the earlier Irish famines. O'Rourke skillfully weaves together accounts from various points in history, allowing readers to grasp the cyclical nature of deprivation and suffering experienced by the Irish people. By broadening the perspective, this book becomes more than just a documentation of a single event; it becomes a historical exploration of the recurring misfortunes faced by a nation.

The author's attention to detail is commendable. O'Rourke provides copious statistical data and documents from the era, supplementing his narrative with primary sources that substantiate his claims. This meticulous approach instills confidence in readers, ensuring that they receive an accurate and reliable account of the famine. Furthermore, his inclusion of eyewitness testimonies breathes life into the pages, allowing readers to empathize with the unimaginable hardships endured by both rural and urban communities during this time.

Another strength of O'Rourke's work is his commitment to examining the immediate and long-term impact of the famine. He delves into the demographic consequences, the mass emigration of desperate individuals, and the social upheaval that followed. By exploring these ramifications, the author underscores the significant and lasting consequences of the famine, effects that are still being felt in Ireland today.

If there is one criticism to be leveled, it would be the occasionally dense prose. O'Rourke's extensive research occasionally overshadows the readability of the narrative, making it a more challenging read for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. However, for those wishing to delve deep into the complexities of this historical event, the wealth of information provided will undoubtedly be appreciated.

In conclusion, John O'Rourke's The History of the Great Irish Famine of 1847 (3rd ed.) (1902) With Notices of Earlier Irish Famines is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Great Irish Famine and its broader historical significance. O'Rourke's dedication to capturing the nuances of the period, coupled with his meticulous research and insightful analysis, make this book an essential addition to any historical library. Anyone interested in the history of Ireland, social justice, or the human condition will find themselves captivated by this masterfully crafted narrative.

First Page:

THE HISTORY

OF THE

GREAT IRISH FAMINE

1847,

WITH NOTICES OF EARLIER IRISH FAMINES.

BY THE

REV. JOHN O'ROURKE, P.P., M.R.I.A.

THIRD EDITION.

Dublin:

JAMES DUFFY AND CO., LTD.,

15 WELLINGTON QUAY.

1902.

[ The right of translation and reproduction is reserved. ]

MY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN

THIS NARRATIVE

OF ONE OF THE MOST TERRIBLE EPISODES

IN THE CHEQUERED HISTORY

OUR NATIVE LAND,

RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY

DEDICATED.

PREFACE.

The Author of this volume has, for a considerable time, been of opinion, that the leading facts of the Great Irish Famine of 1847 ought to be put together without unnecessary delay. Several reasons occurred to him why such a work should be done: the magnitude of the Famine itself; the peculiarity of its immediate cause; its influence on the destiny of the Irish Race. That there should be no unnecessary delay in performing the task was sufficiently proved, he thought, by the fact, that testimony of the most valuable kind, namely, contemporary testimony, was silently but rapidly passing away with the generation that had witnessed the Scourge.

Having made up his mind to undertake such a work, the Author's first preparation for it was, to send query sheets to such persons as were supposed to be in possession of information on the subject... Continue reading book >>

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