The Land-War in Ireland: A History for the Times

A vivid portrait of Ireland in the mid‑nineteenth century, this work examines the turbulent “land‑war” that divided a nation. Drawing on commissions, parliamentary debates and the author’s own travels across the island, it maps the clash between tenant farmers, landlords and religious leaders, while exposing the social and economic strains that prompted repeated calls for reform. The narrative places particular emphasis on the emergence of a new political conscience, where once‑isolated tenant leagues began to find allies among progressive landowners.

The author, a seasoned journalist who has spent decades reporting on Irish affairs, brings a personal perspective to the unfolding crisis. He chronicles the growing influence of Prime Minister Gladstone and the hope that a more compassionate policy might finally treat Ireland’s “maladies.” Readers are offered a clear, well‑sourced account of the forces shaping the island before the decisive legislation of the 1870s, making the history both accessible and compelling for today’s listeners.