The definitive book on the Great Famine from Ireland's greatest historian, combining the latest research and fresh insights. The Great Famine was a period of mass starvation, disease and emigration in Ireland. Between 1845 and 1852 the island's population dropped by 2.5 million-a full quarter of its citizens - and its legacy continues to be felt. For both the native Irish and those in the resulting diaspora, the famine entered folk memory and became a rallying point for nationalist movements for decades. This is a fascinating and sobering look at a dark period of global history, as well as the ramifications of the 'famine mentality' that continues to haunt Ireland to this day.