Surplus People

Discover the profound impacts of the Great Famine in Ireland through Jim Rees's insightful book, Surplus People. Published in 2014, this compelling work spans 162 pages and delves into the tragic events that unfolded during this catastrophic period. Rees, a noted historian, explores how landlords, driven by the desire to rid themselves of 'surplus' tenants, implemented 'assisted passages' that offered financial incentives for emigration. One of the most significant case studies highlighted is the systematic clearance of uneconomic tenants from the expansive 85,000-acre Coolattin Estate by Lord Fitzwilliam, showcasing one of the most organized efforts in Ireland's history. Surplus People is an essential read for anyone interested in the complex narratives of emigration, immigration, and the socio-economic challenges faced during one of Ireland's darkest times.