THE IRISH IN AMERICA A History

The immigration of the Irish to America escalated to record numbers during the tragic and historic potato famine 150 years ago. Despite their struggle to escape hardship, the Irish found that life in America was complicated by prejudice, poverty and disease. In this audiobook, Irish distinctiveness in America is explored by way of a multitude of personal accounts from families, priests, entertainers, politicians and many others, creating a comprehensive and poignant account of the cultural, social and political history of Irish-Americans. Colm Meaney's crisp Irish brogue inspires listeners as he accompanies them on this tumultuous historical journey from Ireland in the mid-1800's to the U.S. of the present day. The touching essays written and read by famous Irish-Americans enhance this sweeping story, recently dramatized on PBS. B.J.P. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAR/APR 98]