Stacking the Coffins

Influenza, War and Revolution in Ireland, 1918-19

By Ida Milne | Publisher: Manchester University Press

About the book

The 191819 influenza pandemic disrupted Irish society and politics. Stilling cities and towns as it passed through, it closed schools, courts and libraries, quelled trade, crammed hospitals, and stretched medical doctors to their limit as they treated hundreds of patients each day. It became part of a major row between nationalists and the Government over interned anticonscription campaigners. When one campaigner died days before the 1918 general election, Sinn Fein swiftly incorporated his death into their campaign. Survivors interviewed by the author tell what it was like to suffer from this influenza; families of the bereaved speak of the change to their lives. Stacking the coffins is the first Irish history of the disease to include statistics to analyse which groups were most affected. It also draws on the memories of child sufferers telling their stories.

Editions of Stacking the Coffins

Hardcover
ISBN 9781526122698

Read an Excerpt

The 191819 influenza pandemic disrupted Irish society and politics. Stilling cities and towns as it passed through, it closed schools, courts and libraries, quelled trade, crammed hospitals, and stretched medical doctors to their limit as they treated hundreds of patients each day. It became part of a major row between nationalists and the Government over interned anticonscription campaigners. When one campaigner died days before the 1918 general election, Sinn Fein swiftly incorporated his death into their campaign. Survivors interviewed by the author tell what it was like to suffer from this influenza; families of the bereaved speak of the change to their lives. Stacking the coffins is the first Irish history of the disease to include statistics to analyse which groups were most affected. It also draws on the memories of child sufferers telling their stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stacking the Coffins about?

The 191819 influenza pandemic disrupted Irish society and politics. Stilling cities and towns as it passed through, it closed schools, courts and libraries, quelled trade, crammed hospitals, and stretched medical doctors to their limit as they treated hundreds of patients each day. It became part of a major row between nationalists and the Government over interned anticonscription campaigners. When one campaigner died days before the 1918 general election, Sinn Fein swiftly incorporated his death into their campaign. Survivors interviewed by the author tell what it was like to suffer from this influenza; families of the bereaved speak of the change to their lives. Stacking the coffins is the first Irish history of the disease to include statistics to analyse which groups were most affected. It also draws on the memories of child sufferers telling their stories.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Stacking the Coffins?

Medicine and Nursing > Medicine / Healthcare: general issues / topics > History of medicine

Where can I read a sample of Stacking the Coffins?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781526122698

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Stacking the Coffins?

Ida Milne

Who is the Publisher of the book Stacking the Coffins?

Manchester University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Stacking the Coffins is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781526122698)