The population of Ireland is five million, but 70 million people worldwide call themselves Irish. Here, Tim Pat Coogan travels around the globe to tell their story.
Irish emigration first began in the 12th century when the Normans invaded Ireland. Cromwell's terrorist campaign in the 17th century drove many Irish to France and Spain, while Cromwell deported many more to the West Indies and Virginia. Millions left due to the famine and its aftermath between 1845 and 1961. Where did they all go?
From the memory of the wild San Patricios Brigade soldiers who deserted the American army during the Mexican War to fight on the side of their fellow Catholics to Australia's Irish Robin Hood: Ned Kelly, Coogan brings the vast reaches of the Irish diaspora to life in this collection of vivid and colourful tales. Rich in characterization and detail, not to mention the great Coogan wit, this is an invaluable volume that belongs on the bookshelf of every Celtophile.
