Plentiful Country: The Great Potato Famine and the Making of Irish New York

by Tyler Anbinder
Plentiful Country: The Great Potato Famine and the Making of Irish New York cover
Good Books rating 4.58
History
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £22.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3068
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781804187005
  • Publisher: Bonnier Books UK
  • Published: 2024-05-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Tyler Anbinder's 'Plentiful Country' delves into the extraordinary journey of Irish immigrants who fled the Great Hunger and transformed America. This landmark work reveals the grit and determination of the Famine Irish, who defied hardship to redefine the American dream. Through previously unavailable records and a decade of research, Anbinder reclaims the stories of these refugees, particularly those who settled in New York City, painting a vivid picture of their struggles and triumphs. The book is a compelling tribute to the resilience of these individuals, illuminating a pivotal chapter in the making of modern America. It's a testament to the enduring spirit that forged a new home in the land of opportunity, echoing through the heart of America with a vibrant scene of hope.

Reviews
IrishCentral · IrishCentral Staff · 2024-05-06
comprehensive 4.75

The book is celebrated for its detailed account of the socio-economic rise of Irish immigrants in New York during the Famine years. It is seen as a significant contribution to understanding this pivotal period in history.

IrishCentral highlights how the book meticulously recreates the journey and struggles of Irish immigrants during the Great Hunger. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to humanize historical events through individual stories. They also note that the book's focus on New York provides a unique lens through which to view the broader immigrant experience. The book is commended for its scholarly rigor and accessibility, making it a valuable read for both academics and general readers.

Quick quotes

    Anbinder recreates the socio-economic climb of the Irish who arrived in New York during Ireland's Great Hunger, 1845 – 1852.

    Plentiful Country is a tour de force—a book that rescues the Famine immigrants from the margins of history and restores them to their rightful place.

    The book's focus on New York provides a unique lens through which to view the broader immigrant experience.

Goodreads · Various · 2024-03-12
insightful 4.50

This book offers a fresh perspective on the Irish immigrant experience during the Great Potato Famine, highlighting their resilience and contributions. It is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative.

The reviewers on Goodreads are consistently impressed by the depth of research and the compelling storytelling in this book. They appreciate how it challenges traditional narratives about Irish immigrants, showcasing their significant impact on American society. The book is described as both educational and emotionally resonant, making it a standout in historical non-fiction. However, some readers note that the sheer amount of detail might be overwhelming for casual readers.

Quick quotes

    A breathtaking new history of the Irish immigrants who arrived in the United States during the Great Potato Famine.

    This book rescues the Famine immigrants from the margins of history and restores them to their rightful place.

    Anbinder details the human horrors of the potato famine in unadorned prose that only adds to its emotional impact.

Little, Brown and Company · Little, Brown and Company · 2024-03-12
poignant 4.50

The book is lauded for its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of the potato famine and its impact on Irish immigrants. The narrative is both informative and deeply moving.

The publisher's review emphasizes the book's powerful prose and its ability to convey the human cost of the potato famine. They particularly appreciate how the book weaves together individual immigrant stories with broader historical context. The reviewer also notes that the book's unadorned style enhances its emotional impact, making it a poignant read. While the book is praised for its depth, some might find the subject matter challenging due to its grim nature.

Quick quotes

    Anbinder details the human horrors of the potato famine in unadorned prose that only adds to its emotional impact.

    The book weaves together individual immigrants' stories with broader historical context.

    The book's unadorned style enhances its emotional impact, making it a poignant read.

Appears in Lists