The People's Potato and the Great Irish Famine

The Irish Potato Famine figures as one of the most devastating occurrences in European history. The suffering of the people, the thousands of deaths, the seeming unconcern of government bodies who could have assisted more than they did - all are part of a catastrophe centred on that humblest of plants: the potato. Tony Hills brings new light to this old tale. With sympathy and poignant detail, he weaves his chronicle of the famine, set in the context of the potato's history in Europe. Decades, perhaps centuries, of contributing factors influenced the havoc wrought by the blight in the 1840s and, as you will discover, potatoes continue to be found at the centre of political debate right up to the present day. This book may change the way you think about the potato for ever.