Making Sense of the Molly Maguires

by Kevin Kenny

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Description

A group of 20 Irish immigrants, suspected of comprising a secret terrorist organisation called the "Molly Maguires", were executed in Pennsylvania in the 1870s for the murder of sixteen men. This work offers a new interpetation of their story.

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This is a magisterial analysis of the events surrounding the Molly Maguires, an episode of labor unrest in Pennsylvania in the middle of the nineteenth century. Kenny brings to bear an immense knowledge of Ireland and its history as he traces the fates of these Irish immigrants in the coal fields of Pennsylvania. The story is fraught with drama, with elements of class, ethnic, and religious conflict, as well as political aspects regarding the Civil War. All these fragments remain in play as Kenny skillfully leads the reader through the various possibilities.

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Labor History
77 works; 5 members

Author Information

Picture of author.
6 Works 418 Members

Awards and Honors

Common Knowledge

Original publication date
1998
People/Characters
Benjamin Bannan; Martin Bergen; James Boyle; Kate Boyle; Alexander Campbell; James Carroll (show all 13); Franklin B. Gowen; John Kehoe; James Kerrigan; Hugh McGehan; James McParland; James Roarity; John Siney
Important places
Pennsylvania, USA; Cass Township, Pennsylvania, USA; Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, USA; Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, USA; Pottsville, Pennsylvania, USA; Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA
Dedication
Per Rosanna, senz' altro . . .
First words
Introduction
In the 1860s and 1870s, the anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania drew national attention for their violence.
Blurbers
Quinn, Peter

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, History, General Nonfiction, Politics and Government
DDC/MDS
364.1Society, Government, and CultureSocial problems and social servicesCrimeCriminal offenses
LCC
HV6452 .P4 .M64Social sciencesSocial pathology. Social and public welfare. CriminologySocial pathology. Social and public welfare.CriminologyCrimes and offenses
BISAC

Statistics

Members
122
Popularity
266,374
Reviews
1
Rating
½ (3.67)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
8