The great hunger

The book chronicles the Irish potato famine of the 1840s, one of the most appalling events of the Victorian era, which killed over a million people and drove many more to emigrate to America.

Woodham-Smith highlights the British government's 'obtuseness, short-sightedness, and ignorance' and their stubborn commitment to laissez-faire policies, which exacerbated the disaster.

The book also explores the long-term impact on Anglo-Irish relations and the foundation it laid for the Irish Independence movement.

Woodham-Smith's account is vivid, disturbing, and combines great literary power with historical learning.