Butcher's Dozen

Carcanet publishes a new edition of Thomas Kinsella's Butcher's Dozen to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and its commemoration in Derry in January 2022. The edition includes a prologue from the Saville Report, an epilogue from the Prime Minister's House of Commons apology, and a new author's note.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 40 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and its commemoration in Derry in January 2022, Carcanet proudly presents a new edition of Thomas Kinsella's iconic Butcher's Dozen. This edition includes a prologue from the Saville Report, an epilogue from the Prime Minister's House of Commons apology, and a new author's note.

Bloody Sunday, also known as the Bogside Massacre, occurred on January 30, 1972, in Derry, Northern Ireland. It was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of 13 unarmed civilians and the wounding of 14 others during a peaceful protest against internment in Northern Ireland.

The protest was organized by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) and was intended to highlight the human rights abuses and injustices faced by the Catholic community in Northern Ireland. The protesters were marching towards the British Army base in Derry, known as the Bogside, to demand an end to internment and the release of political prisoners.

However, the protest was met with heavy violence by the British Army, who opened fire on the unarmed civilians without any warning. The soldiers used live ammunition and rubber bullets, causing widespread panic and chaos among the protesters.

The aftermath of Bloody Sunday was a significant turning point in the history of Northern Ireland. It led to widespread outrage and condemnation of the British Army's actions and contributed to the growing tensions between the Catholic and Protestant communities in the region.

The Saville Report, which was published in 2010, was a comprehensive investigation into the events of Bloody Sunday. It concluded that the soldiers involved in the shooting were not acting in self-defense and that their actions were unjustified. The report also recommended that the families of the victims receive compensation and that the British Army apologize for their actions.

In response to the Saville Report, the British Government issued an official apology to the families of the victims of Bloody Sunday. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, made a speech in the House of Commons, expressing his regret and acknowledging the mistakes that had been made.

The new edition of Butcher's Dozen, published by Carcanet, includes a prologue from the Saville Report, an epilogue from the Prime Minister's House of Commons apology, and a new author's note. The author's note provides an insight into the historical context and the significance of Bloody Sunday, and it reflects on the ongoing struggle for justice and peace in Northern Ireland.

Bloody Sunday remains a haunting and controversial event in the history of Northern Ireland. It serves as a reminder of the human rights abuses and injustices that can occur when governments fail to uphold the principles of democracy and respect for human life.

The legacy of Bloody Sunday continues to be felt today, as the people of Northern Ireland continue to work towards a peaceful and inclusive society. The events of Bloody Sunday have inspired generations of activists and campaigners, who continue to fight for justice and equality in the region.

In conclusion, the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and its commemoration in Derry in January 2022 is a significant moment in the history of Northern Ireland. It serves as a reminder of the importance of human rights, democracy, and the pursuit of justice. The new edition of Butcher's Dozen, published by Carcanet, provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the events of Bloody Sunday and to honor the memory of the 13 unarmed civilians who lost their lives.

Weight: 70g
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800171657