The Unstoppable Irish: Songs and Integration of the New York Irish, 1783–1883

The Unstoppable Irish chronicles the rise of New York's Irish Catholics, from their evacuation in 1783 to the completion of the first term of the city's first Catholic mayor one hundred years later. Dan Milner's book demonstrates that the Catholic Irish of New York integrated into the city populace rather than assimilated, using song texts and period news reports to develop a fuller picture of the struggle.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2024
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

This captivating book delves into the captivating story of the rise of New York's vibrant Irish-Catholic community, offering a comprehensive historical account of early New York City. The Unstoppable Irish takes readers on a journey, tracing the evolving fortunes of New York's Irish Catholics, beginning with the British military evacuation in late 1783 and culminating one hundred years later with the election of the city's first Catholic mayor. Throughout this remarkable century, the Hibernians, initially viewed as a diverse, despised, and feared foreign group, gradually gained de facto acceptance as integral members of the city's population.

Author Dan Milner presents compelling evidence that the Catholic Irish of New York integrated into the city's fabric rather than assimilated into the larger host group. While assimilation was always an option for Catholics, particularly in Ireland, the same resilient spirit that had resisted abandoning their Gaelic Catholic heritage persisted in Manhattan. This unique community remained largely intact, preserving their distinct cultural identity.

One of the novel aspects of Milner's approach is his use of song texts, alongside period news reports and existing scholarship, to paint a more complete picture of the Catholic Irish struggle. Irish folk and popular songs, products of a highly verbal and passionately musical people, provide a unique insight into the prevailing attitudes and beliefs of the integration era. These songs capture the spirit of the times, reflecting the hopes, dreams, and challenges faced by the Catholic Irish community as they navigated their way into a new and unfamiliar city.

The Unstoppable Irish is a valuable contribution to the study of Irish-American history, offering a fresh perspective on the experiences of a marginalized but resilient group. It sheds light on the complex interplay between culture, identity, and social change, and provides a rich tapestry of stories and anecdotes that will captivate readers of all ages. Whether you are interested in history, religion, or cultural studies, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the rich and complex history of New York City.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268105747