The Irish and the Imagination of Race: White Supremacy across the Atlantic in the Nineteenth Century

This book explores how Irishness was constructed in nineteenth-century constructions of race and racialization, particularly in the British Isles and the United States, and how Irish nationalist writers with liberationist politics declined to oppose race-based chattel enslavement and white supremacy. It examines how these writers misrepresented the differences between Irish and Black experiences under these regimes, which has had profound consequences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2023
Publisher: University of Virginia Press

This book delves into the intricate interplay of Irishness and nineteenth-century constructions of race and racialization,spanning both the British Isles and the United States. With a specific focus on the years leading up to the American Civil War,Patrick OMalley examines a diverse range of literary genres, including the bardic verse epic, gothic tale, realist novel, stage melodrama, and political polemic. Through his critical analysis, he seeks to understand the complexities of Irish nationalist writers who, while advocating for Irish political enfranchisement, often failed to confront race-based chattel enslavement and the enduring structures of white supremacy in the United States.

OMalley's examination reveals that many of these writers employed the image of Black suffering to bolster their arguments for Irish political equality. However, their portrayal of the fundamental differences between Irish and Black experiences under the regimes of white supremacy was often inaccurate, leading to profound consequences.

One of the key themes that emerges from OMalley's study is the complex relationship between nationalism and racism. He argues that Irish nationalist writers often sought to assert their cultural and political identity by aligning themselves with the struggles of Black people against oppression. However, their attempts to do so were often undermined by their own prejudices and misconceptions, resulting in a superficial understanding of the complex realities of race and slavery.

Another important aspect of OMalley's analysis is the role of literature in shaping public perception and political discourse. He demonstrates how literary works, such as the bardic verse epic, gothic tale, and realist novel, played a crucial role in perpetuating stereotypes and prejudices about Black people. These works often depicted Black characters as violent and primitive, reinforcing the notion that they were inherently inferior to white people.

Despite these challenges, OMalley's book offers a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted relationship between Irishness, race, and racialization in nineteenth-century Britain and the United States. It highlights the need for a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of these issues, as well as the importance of challenging the narratives that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and prejudices.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the role of Irishness in nineteenth-century constructions of race and racialization. Through his meticulous analysis of a wide range of literary genres, Patrick OMalley sheds light on the complexities of Irish nationalist writers who, while advocating for political equality, often failed to confront the realities of race and slavery. By challenging the prevailing narratives and promoting a more nuanced understanding of these issues, this book contributes to our understanding of the complex and interconnected histories of Ireland, Britain, and the United States.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813950570