Composite work on historical social and living conditions in Ireland, with particular reference to behaviour of rural workers in the 18th and 19th centuries - covers sociological aspects of illicit distillation and ether drinking, hunger and poverty resulting from economic recession, the role of women, family life, the role of the roman Catholic Church, social services, the problem of illegitimate children, the administration of justice, etc. References.

"The strength of this volume cannot be conveyed by an itemisation of its contents; for what it provides is an incisive commentary on the newly-recognised landmarks of Irish agrarian history in the modern period. . . . The importance, even indispensability, of this achievement is compounded by exemplary editing."—Roy Foster, London Times Literary Supplement "As a whole, the volume demonstrates the wealth, complexity, and sophistication of Irish rural studies. The book is essential reading for anyone involved in modern Irish history. It will also serve as an excellent introduction to this rich field for scholars of other peasant communities and all interested in problems of economic and political developments."—American Historical Review "A milestone in the evolution of Irish social history. There is a remarkable consistency of style and standard in the essays. . . . This is truly history from the grassroots."—Timothy P. O'Neill, Studia Hibernica