Examines the specific role that the metropolis plays in literary portrayals of Irish migrant experience as an arena for the performance of Irishness, as a catalyst in the transformations of Irishness and as an intrinsic component of second generation Irish identities.

Great Irish Documents presents the most momentous and stirring documents in the history of Ireland. From St Patrick's confession, via the harrowing reports of the Famine Relief Commission, the dramatic Proclamation of the Republic and the controversial 1921 Anglo-Irish treaty, to the road to peace and the Good Friday agreement, here is a unique overview of over 1500 years of Irish history.The transcript of each document is preceded by an introduction, written by Professor Richard Aldous, that places the text in its historical context and explains its significance, as well as by iconic images of the documents and their creators. Presented chronologically, this anthology provides a remarkable insight into the story of Ireland.

DIrish construction workers in post-war Britain are celebrated in song and story. Donall MacAmhlaigh kept a diary as he worked the sites, danced in the Irish halls, drank in Irish pubs and lived the life of the roving Irish navvy. Work was hard, dirty and dangerous, followed by pints in the Admiral Rodney, the Shamrock, the Cattle Market Tavern and others. Living conditions were basic at best. This vivid picture of an Irish navvy's life in England in the 1950s mirrors that of an entire generation who left Ireland without education or hope. Days without food or work, the hardships of work camps, lonesome partings after trips home, periods of intense isolation and bitter reflection were all part of the experience. • Also available: Hard Road to Klondike.