Seeds of Revolution The Culture and Politics of the Great Famine in the Irish Northwest

Seeds of Revolution presents a radically new and original perspective on the Great Irish Famine. Drawing on social, political and medical history, anthropology, and literature, the volume explores the "political orchestration" of what is generally considered one of the great natural disasters of recent times. Focusing on official British famine relief policy and practice, the book examines the implementation, reception and, in some cases, the rejection of famine relief policy by both the Irish Executive in Dublin and the local people in the Irish northwest. In the process, the study shows how the famine was used to advance professional and political agendas, and to solidify new class divisions.

Joan Vincent is Professor Emerita, Barnard College, Columbia University.