Anarchy and Authority

Connections between the peoples of Ireland and Russia stretch back centuries, from the modern Post-Soviet period, through the turmoil of the twentieth century, and back deep into the foundations of the Romanov empire. In Angela Byrne’s illuminating new work Anarchy and Authority, readers follow the Irish men and women who ventured forth into the Russian empire during the two long centuries from the reign of Peter the Great until the end of Romanov rule in the early twentieth century. Human connections, political intrigues, cultural influence and sweeping historical narratives are brought alive here through first-hand contemporary Irish accounts. This is the story of the island and the empire.

Through meticulous research, Byrne has unearthed firsthand writings and reports from Irish residents, travellers and migrants to Russia from that time, ranging from diplomats and governesses, to early tourists, travel writers, servants and even a revolutionary music-teacher. Military careers proved a continual channel of advancement for Irishmen through the eighteenth century, which brought them close to the sources of power. They and their families occupied privileged positions in society, benefitting from the imperial wars waged by the Russian state. Other Irish observers bore witness to the horrors of serfdom and the oppression of dissenting voices through exile, imprisonment without trial and forced labour in Siberia.

Anarchy and Authority brings to vivid life these Irish perspectives, opening an invaluable door into the history of Ireland’s relationship with Russia on a human level.