Paperback reissue of a book first published in 1998. Non-fiction account of the Irish diaspora, when in the 19th century the Irish population was halved. Traces the three causes of this depletion - the famine, the emigrations, and the transportations to far-away countries such as Australia and America - as seen through the eyes of political prisoners. Also presents the stories of Irish convict women. Includes maps, photos, notes, bibliography and index. Best-selling author's previous works include 'The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith' and 'Schindler's Ark', winner of the 1982 Booker Prize and filmed by Steven Spielberg into the Academy Award-winning 'Schindler's List'.