Death in the Diaspora: British and Irish Gravestones

This book explores how British and Irish migrants identified with place and space over time, based on gravestones and memorial markers in the UK, Ireland, Australasia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

As British and Irish migrants ventured forth to seek new horizons in the Caribbean, Asia, North America, and Australasia, they left behind a tangible legacy of their presence in the regions where they settled. Spanning the 17th to 20th centuries, gravestones and intricately crafted epitaphs served as poignant testament to their identity and deep connections to both their old and new worlds. This captivating book takes a profound dive into the realm of cultural imperialism, shedding light on how individuals, kin groups, and occupational networks forged profound attachments to place and space over time. Through comprehensive analyses based on gravestones and memorial markers in the UK, Ireland, Australasia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the contributors unravel the intricate tapestry of these migrants' enduring connections to their homelands, both in life and in death.

Nicholas J. Evans, a Lecturer in Diaspora History at the University of Hull, takes the reader on a scholarly journey, exploring the intricate nuances of this historical phenomenon. Meanwhile, Angela McCarthy, Professor of Scottish and Irish History and the Director of the Centre for Global Migrations at the University of Otago, adds her expertise, providing valuable insights into the complexities of migration and its enduring impact.

The book delves into the rich tapestry of gravestones and memorial markers, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives and legacies of the British and Irish migrants. These artifacts serve as a tangible link to the past, preserving the memories and stories of individuals who left their homes in search of a better future. Through meticulous research and analysis, the contributors shed light on the various ways in which these migrants expressed their attachment to their native lands, be it through heartfelt inscriptions, symbolic imagery, or architectural embellishments.

Moreover, the book extends the scope of cultural imperialism beyond its traditional boundaries, incorporating a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses history, sociology, anthropology, and geography. By examining the spatial and temporal dimensions of these migrants' attachments, the contributors offer a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between identity, place, and mobility in the 21st century.

In conclusion, "Gravestones and Epitaphs: British and Irish Migrants in the World" is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the profound connections between individuals, kin groups, and occupational networks and their attachment to place and space across time. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of cultural imperialism and its enduring impact on the lives of British and Irish migrants. It serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human beings in the face of change and a reminder of the enduring power of human connections, both in life and in death.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474473798