After the Famine

This detailed study explores the recovery of Irish agriculture after the potato famine, challenging established views on economic benefits in the period leading up to land reforms.

Published in 1996, After the Famine offers a comprehensive analysis of the recovery of Irish agriculture following the catastrophic potato famine of the 1840s. Michael Turner meticulously examines various aspects of agricultural practices, including land use and peasant occupancy, while also presenting an annual agricultural output series for Ireland from 1850 to 1914. His work challenges established beliefs regarding income distribution and provides a fresh perspective on the socio-economic landscape of Ireland during this pivotal period.

The book is structured into three main parts. First, Turner delves into the changing structure of agriculture, exploring how land use and occupancy by peasants evolved over time. Next, he presents estimates of the annual value of agricultural output, offering valuable insights into the economic performance of Irish farming. Finally, Turner assesses productivity measures, situating his findings within the broader context of British and European agricultural development.

After the Famine argues that, contrary to common beliefs, landlords were the primary beneficiaries of agricultural recovery leading up to land reforms. This thought-provoking study makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding Irish social and economic history, shedding light on a complex and often contested topic.