The Land-War in Ireland

The Land-War in Ireland: A History for the Times, written by James Godkin and first published in 1870, is a comprehensive and detailed examination of the complex and turbulent history of land ownership, agrarian conflict, and social upheaval in Ireland. Drawing on a wide range of historical sources, parliamentary reports, and personal observations, Godkin traces the roots of the Irish land question from the earliest periods of English conquest and colonization through to the 19th century, highlighting the persistent injustices and grievances that fueled unrest among the rural population. The book delves into the origins of the landlord-tenant system, the impact of English and Scottish plantations, and the legal and economic mechanisms that dispossessed native Irish families of their ancestral lands. Godkin explores the rise of secret societies, such as the Whiteboys and Ribbonmen, and the recurring cycles of violence and resistance that characterized rural Ireland. He provides vivid accounts of evictions, famine, and the harsh realities faced by tenant farmers, while also analyzing the policies and attitudes of the British government and the Irish landlord class. Throughout, Godkin argues for the urgent need for land reform and greater justice for the Irish peasantry, presenting the land-war not merely as a series of isolated disturbances, but as the inevitable outcome of centuries of misrule and exploitation. The Land-War in Ireland: A History for the Times stands as a passionate and meticulously researched work, offering valuable insights into the causes and consequences of one of the most significant social struggles in Irish history.