A pioneering study. The first to describe, on a world-wide basis, the complex phenomenon of the Irish diaspora. In a thought-provoking accessible text, Akenson examines population movements out of Ireland into Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Great Britain and the United States. He sets the importance of the Famine in its context and considers issues such as the significance of women in Irish emigration. His straightforward, comprehensible approach makes this an essential primer for anyone with an interest in ethnic history of the Irish and its meeting with different cultures.

"...Indispensable for every student in the field." —The Times Literary Supplement

"...This seminal book is an important introduction to discussions about the diaspora because of its cautionary approach to the subject and its unbiased representation of every facet of it..." —Irish University Review

"This is an unfrightening book, and while no doubt ideal as a 'primer' for academics approaching the subject, also a useful conspectus for the interested layman who means to go no further." —Books Ireland