“Famine to Freedom: The Irish in the American Civil War” by J.J. Collins offers details on notable personalities, units and incidents involving the Irish community

LONDON (MMD Newswire) August 16, 2011 – – “Famine to Freedom: The Irish in the American Civil War” (ISBN 1463513518) by J.J. Collins recounts the Irish-American journey of immigration, enlistment, military service and post-war work in the mid-19th Century.

According to Collins, over 1 million Irish immigrants arrived in the United States between 1845 and 1853. Predominantly poor and unskilled, this community was soon embroiled in the conflict between northern and southern states that came to a head in 1861. Most of the Irish conscripts and volunteers served in the Union army, Collins reports, representing states including Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts. Over the course of the war, Irish American soldiers would rise to the heights of military rank, serve as the decisive factor in a number of battles and help shape its outcome. Collins traces the Irish-American narrative after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox courthouse, discussing the war’s aftermath and later political and social impact of the Irish community.

“My book tells the story of prelude to war, the war itself and post-war consequences for both America and the Irish as a unique ethnic group,” Collins says. “My aim is to recognize the unique contribution of the Irish to America and how their participation in the American Civil War enabled them to become better accepted into American society.”

Intended to educate and inform, the book focuses on generals, soldiers, politicians and history-making individuals of Irish descent. It also offers commentary and perspective on civilian contributions and the impact of military service on public perception of immigration and diversity.

“Famine to Freedom: The Irish in the American Civil War” is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.

About the Author
J.J. Collins is a writer, business consultant and political blogger. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Collins studied at “Colaiste Mhuire,” Dublin University of London, Stonebridge College and the Open University. His family has many connections with the Irish-American community in the United States, in large part due to his grandfather and great uncle’s business in Buffalo, N.Y. A lifelong fan of all things American, Collins has always maintained a huge interest in Irish-American history and the American Civil War. He lists Abraham Lincoln as one of his most inspirational and influencing characters in his life. Collins resides in London where he is at work on his next book about American presidents and their legacies.