Irish London: A Cultural History, 1850–1916.

History of London, England; Cultural history; Social criticism; Famines; Soccer teams; Grandparents; Irish music

"Irish London: A Cultural History, 1850–1916" by Richard Kirkland is a comprehensive study that explores the Irish community in London during this time period. The book examines various aspects of Irish London, including the elite class, journalists, artists, the Catholic Church, the bourgeois, and the Irish poor. Kirkland pays particular attention to the experiences of the Irish poor, who played a significant role in shaping perceptions of the Irish in London. The book also highlights the cultural contributions of Irish performers in popular entertainment venues, emphasizing the importance of music in expressing Irish emigrant memory. While the book focuses on the London-Irish community, it does not compare their experiences to those of Irish migrants in other English towns or in other countries. Overall, "Irish London" provides valuable insights into the broader context of London-Irish existence and offers innovative perspectives on well-known figures and events. [Extracted from the article]