This is the most wide-ranging study ever published of political violence and the punishment of Irish political offenders from 1848 to the founding of the Irish Free State in 1922. Those who chose violence to advance their Irish nationalist beliefs ranged from gentlemen revolutionaries to those who openly embraced terrorism or even full-scale guerilla war.
Sean McConville provides a comprehensive survey of Irish revolutionary struggle, matching chapters on punishment of offenders with descriptions and analysis of their campaigns. Government's response to political violence was determined by a number of factors, including not only the nature of the offences but also interest and support from the United States and Australia, as well as current objectives of Irish policy.

About the Author
Sean McConville is Professor of Criminal Justice and Professorial Research Fellow in the Department of Law, Queen Mary, University of London. He has published widely on imprisonment and related political and legal issues, including work on Britain, Europe and the United States of America.

Reviews

"[A] scholarly and immensely readable account of three-quarters of a century of British experience of Irishmen - and very occasionally women - in their prisons."- Dr Garret FitzGerald, The Guardian

"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

"A magnum opus in terms of its size, scope, extensive source base and the contribution it makes to our understanding of Irish political violence from 1848 to 1922... [it] rates as a 'must read' source for anyone interested in the Irish struggle for national self-determination" John Ainsworth, History

"[A] scholarly and immensely readable account of three-quarters of a century of British experience of Irishmen - and very occasionally women - in their prisons."- Dr Garret FitzGerald, The Guardian

"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

Book Information
ISBN 9780415378666
Author Sean McConville
Format Paperback
Page Count 828
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1060g