The Men of No Property - Softcover

Smyth, Jim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0717119912 ISBN 13: 9780717119912

Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd, 1992

Synopsis

This is a study of the popular dimensions of Irish radicalism in the age of the French revolution. It focuses on the lower-class secret society, the Defenders, which diverged from the older patterns of rural unrest associated with the Whiteboys, by developing political aspirations. This book also looks at the more familiar face of radicalism in this period, the Society of United Irishmen, at their role in the Catholic Committee and at their uneasy relationship with Defenderism. Particular attention is paid to the vigorous traditions of street protest in 18th century Dublin, the "second city" of the British empire. The picture which merges is of a revolutionary movement which was both more radical in its rhetoric and objectives and more popular in its social base than has previously been allowed.

About this title

Review

'...a sparkling performance ... this book serves to extend our existing knowledge of the process of popular politicization and the crucial role of the United Irishmen as formidable political instructors.' - Marianne Elliott, The Guardian
'A pioneering work of scholarship.' - Brendan O'Cathaoir,Irish Times
'All those interested in modern Irish history are indebted to Dr Smyth for the flood of new light his book throws on the crucial decade before the act of union.' - Anthony Coughlan, Irish Democrat,
'The skilful analysis of the political dynamics of the decade finally shatters many accepted assumptions ... its conclusions are bound to influence future writing on Irish history.' - Daire Keogh
'A free-standing study of considerable merit, essential reading for all historians of the 1790s ... It also serves as the best introduction to the radical and popular political context of Ireland's tragic 'year of liberty.' - John Belchem, International Review of Social History
'Smyth's arguments will be much debated. But few will question that the analysis of popular politics in this crucial decade has been taken to a new level.' - Sean Connolly, Fortnight
'All future workers in the field will have to take into consideration the viewpoints, insights and the occasional polemic contained in The Men of No Property.' - Thomas Bartlett, Saothar
'a major contribution to the still evolving debate on the nature of Irish historical discourse. It is always fiesty, engaged, combative; it is economically written and clearly argued ... after Smyth, the 1790s are no longer the same.' - Kevin Whelan, Linenhall Review

About the Author

JIM SMYTH, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and Cambridge University, is Associate Professor of Irish and British History at the University of Notre Dame. Formerly a Research Fellow at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, Dr Smyth has taught at Christ Church, Oxford, and Robinson College, Cambridge.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0717119912
• ISBN 13: 9780717119912
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 250