In the wake of the great rebellion: Republicanism, agrarianism and banditry in Ireland after 1798 - Hardcover

James G. Patterson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0719076935 ISBN 13: 9780719076930

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 2008

Synopsis

On Monday 19 September 1803, the most significant trial in the history of Ireland took place in Dublin. No legal precedent was set, nor was the question of guilt or innocence ever really in doubt. At the dock stood a twenty-five year old former Trinity College student and doctor's son. His name was Robert Emmet and he was standing trial for heading a rebellion on 23 July 1803. The iconic power of Robert Emmet in Irish history cannot be overstated. However, while Emmet looms large in republican narratives of the past, the rebellion, which he led, remains to be fully contextualized. Patterson's book repairs this omission and explains the complex process of radical politicization and revolutionary activity extending from 1791 through 1803 and beyond. He details the radicalisation of the grass roots, their para-militarism, and engagement in secret societies. This book draws on an expansive and intriguing range of sources, including the Rebellion Papers of the Irish National Archive, the correspondence of government officials, military officers, informers, and the gentry, as well as sizable Home Office Papers and secret communications between the Irish executive in Dublin Castle and their counterparts in Whitehall. Patterson offers a comprehensive insight into a relatively neglected period of Irish history. This work is of particular significance to undergraduate and post-graduate students and lecturers of Irish history. Those in the general public with an interest in Irish history will also find this study useful.

About this title

Review:

A significant book based on impressive and pioneering archival research and will be required reading for anyone interested in late eighteenth-century and pre-famine Ireland. By showing the potent and complex ways that radical politics survived at a popular level throughout post-1798 Ireland, Patterson's study forces historians to reassess the roles played by sectarianism and agrarian protest in Ireland before the famine. These are important subjects and we have Patterson to thank for bringing them back to our attention.

Synopsis:

On Monday, 19 September 1803, the most significant trial in the history of Ireland took place in Dublin. At the dock stood a twenty-five year old former Trinity College student and doctor's son. His name was Robert Emmet and he was standing trial for heading a rebellion on 23 July 1803. The iconic power of Robert Emmet in Irish history cannot be overstated. Emmet looms large in narratives of the past, yet the rebellion, which he led, remains to be fully contextualized. Patterson's book repairs this omission and explains the complex of politicization and revolutionary activity extending into the 1800's. He details the radicalisation of the grass roots, their para-militarism and engagement in secret societies. Drawing on an intriguing range of sources, Patterson offers a comprehensive insight into a relatively neglected period of history.This work is of particular significance to undergraduate and post-graduate students and lecturers of Irish history.

About this edition

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0719076935
• ISBN 13: 9780719076930
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224