Summary

From the ascent of Peter the Great to the Russian Revolution, and the Battle of the Boyne to the Easter Rising – between these epochal events were two astounding centuries of war, diplomacy, intrigue, innovation and international radical political movements, the reverberations of which are still felt in both Ireland and the nations and territories formerly part of the Russian empire today.

In Anarchy and Authority, readers follow contemporaneous accounts of Irish men and women who ventured into the Russian empire during the two long centuries of Romanov rule. Human connections, political intrigues and cultural cross-pollination mesh with sweeping historical narratives in the story of the island and the empire.

Meticulously researched and energetically told, these are the stories of Irish residents, travellers and migrants to Russia from that time, ranging from diplomats and governesses, to early tourists, travel writers, soldiers, servants and even a revolutionary music-teacher. From the Irishmen and women who benefitted from the imperial wars waged by the Russian state, to those Irish observers who bore witness to the horrors of serfdom and the oppression of dissenting voices.

Anarchy and Authority brings to vivid life these Irish perspectives. Their fascinating insights and unique depths of field give increasing relevance to the turbulent geo-politics of modern times.

Praise for the book

‘Anarchy and Authority draws on a wealth of research to uncover the incredible stories of Irish women and men in Romanov Russia. Written with skill and sensitivity, this is an important and timely book.’  Dr Liam Chambers

‘Through a cast of extraordinary characters – many of them intrepid Irish women seeking new lives outside the strictures of 18th and 19th century life in their homeland – the book underlines how Irish identity has never been one-dimensional but is constantly in a state of redefinition. From nannies to Russian royalty, to political intriguers, intellectuals and explorers, tales of their experiences offer new perspectives and insights into life in a deeply complex country. This meticulously researched book paints an illuminating and entertaining picture of an often overlooked branch of the Irish Diaspora. It is a timely reminder that the Irish business of forging links and finding cultural commonalities in far-flung places has long been how this small nation makes its way in the world.’  Lise Hand

‘As natives of a small country, itself part of a wider empire, the perceptive of these Irish people within the vast Russian Empire, is unique and the depth of their collective experience is rich. As witnesses of the rise and subsequent decay of the House of Romanov, their accounts are of considerable historical significance. … It offers an intriguing insight into a pattern of connection, developed over two centuries. It offers us an opportunity not only to reconsider Russia during this period and also to re-evaluate how Irish people saw themselves, Ireland and the wider world. As cutting edge research goes, this new volume on Irish-Russian connections represents the tip of the spear.’ Dr David Murphy

‘An elegant analysis of the many tendrils that bound Ireland to Imperial Russia across two centuries, written by a talented author who has spent more than two decades thinking about the people, ideas, and politics that traversed them.’ Dr Ciaran O’Neill 

‘Anarchy and Authority provides an engaging, entertaining and informative account of Irish connections to and perspectives on Romanov Russia. Angela Byrne has expertly drawn on a captivating cast of Irish characters including soldiers, diplomats, maids, mercenaries, adventurers and revolutionaries to provide new and fascinating perspectives on Ireland’s centuries old relationship with Russia.’ Dr Gillian O’Brien

‘Irish Encounters with Romanov Russia is a welcome addition to the field of historic ‘encounters’ and ‘interactions’ with Russia. Building on the longstanding foundations of similar Scottish studies, dating back to the 1970s, this book offers a much-needed insight into the relations, cultural and personal interactions, and perceptions between the geo-political behemoth that was and is Russia and a small nation and its individual people. … It will be of great interest to historians, literary scholars, and scholars of women’s and gender history.’ Dr Paul Huddie

‘A kaleidoscope of life stories told by a fine historian, Anarchy and Authority vividly illuminates Irish encounters with Russia from the time of Peter the Great through the revolutionary upheavals of the early twentieth century. An absorbing read.’ Prof. Breandán MacSuibhne

Bibliography

This downloadable bibliography is intended as a supplement to the endnotes published in Anarchy and Authority. It may prove a useful resource for other researchers but may not be reproduced or circulated without express written permission of the compiler; contact me via the ‘contact’ link on this website.