A comprehensive look at the Irish Famine of 1845-1852, and the relief effort that may have intensified its effectsA watershed event in the history of Ireland, the Irish Famine dramatically altered the economic and social fabric of the country -- by 1847 over 2 million Irish people had either died or emigrated.This comprehensive book examines the causes and consequences of the catastrophe, and focuses on how the relief efforts often prolonged the crisis.