Letters of the Catholic Poor: Poverty in Independent Ireland, 1920-1940

Description

Cover; Half-title ; Title page ; Copyright information ; Dedication ; Table of contents ; Acknowledgements ; List of Abbreviations ; Editorial Rubric ; Transcription Guidelines ; Editorial Principles ; Introduction: 'It is hard to state my case in writing' ; Text and Context.;A pioneering new 'history from below' of Irish poverty told through the letters of the Catholic poor in Independent Ireland. Cover Half-title Title page Copyright information Dedication Table of contents Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Editorial Rubric Transcription Guidelines Editorial Principles Introduction: 'It is hard to state my case in writing' Text and Context. Irish History and Irish Poverty A 'New' History from Below Who Were the Poor? Conclusion 1 The Social Setting: 'Is this a Civilized Country?' 'Apathy of citizens who lack confidence in the existing regime' 'Our own poor' 'I am striving to live on the old age Pension' Widows: '[I]t is hard cruel world for those, whom God has bereft of their ''Bread-winners''' Housing: '[T]he kernel of the great nut that has to be split' 'Workless army still growing' 'The true concept of charity' Conclusion. 2 Artefacts of Poverty: 'I Crave your Holy Pardon for Writing' 'Your saintly face ... told me to write to you' 'I take the liberty of writing' Sub-Literacy and Oral Writing 'Excuse writing and spilling' Begging Letters as Sources Conclusion. 3 The 'Poor' Make Their Case: 'Surely they are worth helping' 'One of Almighty Gods destitute deserving poor' 'My husband was 10 months from mass for want of clothes' 'I think I've told you every-thing there is to tell now' 'The Convert Stunt'