Chronicles of an ill-fated pilgrimage: Irish Political Prisoners’ quest for a desolate shrine
Routledge publishes a magisterial piece of research on political imprisonment in Ireland and unveils the key role political prisoners played in shaping the modern Irish state.
The second part of a trilogy, Seán McConville’s long-awaited Irish Political Prisoners, 1920-1962 (Routledge, 21st November 2013) simply cannot pass unnoticed. Based on years of research, and drawing on a vast range of archival material as well as a number of interviews with survivors, the book unveils the complex and intricate history of the Irish political prisoners from the formation of the Northern Ireland state to the release of the last Border Campaign prisoners in 1962. It shows how punishment came to embody and shape the consciousness of a nation.
McConville masterly weaves human stories and key historical events into political and legal analysis in the text. In showing that the imprisonment of violent political offenders actually helped consolidate their cause, turning them into heroes and martyrs in the eyes of those well beyond the circles of activists, he shows us a lesson that is universally applicable to all political prisoners.
With a roll-call to rival the Roman Senate, the author summons major political characters like Michael Collins and James Craig to Eamon de Valera, Seán MacBride, Moss Twomey and other leaders of the IRA ; he also doesn’t forget to make room for an intriguing cast of prisoners and staff, as well as those who recoiled against all authority, such as the youthful Brendan Behan and, in doing so, McConville reminds us that at the core of any historical investigation always and indisputably lies the human element.
"Sean McConville graphically recounts both sides of this story - and does so with an even-handedness and objectivity that must command the respect of all his readers, whatever side of the Irish Sea they may be on." Dr Garret FitzGerald, The Guardian
Visit the book website here: http://www.routledge.com/u/irishpoliticalprisoners2/
978-0-415-35096-9 | £135.00 in hardback | November 2013
Available for interviews and media features – contact Harriet Connor for a review copy (details below).
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NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Harriet Connor, Partnership Marketing Assistant, Routledge Humanities
Tel: +44 (0)207 011 9921 | Email: harriet.connor@tandf.co.uk
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