From the 1760s, the Irish peasantry developed a uniquely vigorous and continuous tradition of resistance and rebellion against landlord power that laid the foundations of the political upheaval that followed. More than this, this magisterial work illuminates the importance of a common human nature in an always changing social and cultural landscape.

Marc Mulholland, originally from County Antrim, is a Professor of Modern History at St Catherine’s College, Oxford University. He specialises in the development of international socialism, the history of political thought, Revolution and modern Ireland. His previous works include The Murderer of Warren Street (Penguin, Daily Express Book of the Year), Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press).