Irish Political Prisoners 1960-2000: Braiding Rage and Sorrow

This book provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the thousands of people who were incarcerated during the years of the Northern Ireland conflict, covering the jurisdictions of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and England. Based on extensive archival research and numerous interviews, it explores the riots, escapes, strip and dirty protests, and hunger strikes that occurred in prisons. It also highlights the role of Republicans, loyalists, male and female prisoners, officials and staff, families, supporters, clergy, and politicians in the conflict, and how their involvement and consent were critical to the Good Friday Agreement that ended the long war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1050 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a comprehensive, detailed, and humane account of the thousands of people who were taken into custody during the years of the Northern Ireland conflict and how they lived out the months, years, and decades in Irish and English maximum security prisons. The Northern Ireland troubles, which erupted in 1969, continued with terrible intensity until 1998, marking the most enduring civil conflict in Western Europe since the Second World War. This devastating conflict claimed the lives of nearly 4,000 individuals, inflicted a vast toll of injuries, and caused extensive destruction.

Based on extensive archival research and numerous interviews, this book covers the jurisdictions of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and England, providing an account of riots, escapes, strip and dirty protests, and hunger strikes. It paints a vivid picture of the experiences of those serving sentences, some of which lasted for two decades and more. The narrative encompasses the involvement of Republicans and loyalists, both male and female prisoners, officials and staff, families, supporters, clergy, and politicians, all of whom were profoundly affected by their experiences.

Among the remarkable events documented in this book are mass breakouts, organized cell-fouling, and prolonged nakedness, as well as hunger strikes that led to the death of prisoners. There are also accounts of the prisoners' effective parallel command structure, which played a crucial role in their resistance and survival.

This book sheds light on the profound impact of the Northern Ireland conflict on Anglo-Irish and intra-Irish relations, highlighting the critical role played by the prisoners in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement, which ultimately ended the long war. The prisoners' involvement and consent were essential in achieving this historic accord, which marked a significant milestone in the country's history.

As the final part of a trilogy dealing with Irish political prisoners from 1848 to 2000, this book is an essential resource for students and scholars of Irish history and Irish political prisoners. It also makes a significant contribution to the study of imprisonment in general.

In conclusion, this book provides a deeply compelling and informative account of the lives of those who were taken into custody during the Northern Ireland conflict and their experiences in Irish and English maximum security prisons. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the prisoners, as well as the broader social and political context in which they operated. By examining the complexities of the conflict and the prisoners' role in shaping its resolution, this book offers valuable insights into the history and legacy of Ireland's troubled past.

Weight: 1588g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 62 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367697143