A nation of politicians

"In A Nation of Politicians, Padhraig Higgins argues that the development of Volunteer-initiated activities - associating, petitioning, subscribing, shopping, and attending celebrations - expanded the scope of political participation. Using a wide range of literary, archival, and visual sources, Higgins examines how ubiquitous forms of communication - sermons, songs and ballads, handbills, toasts, graffiti, theater, rumors, and gossip - encouraged ordinary Irish citizens to engage in the politics of a more inclusive society and consider the broader questions of civil liberties and the British Empire. A Nation of Politicians presents a fascinating tale of the beginnings of Ireland's richly vocal political tradition at this important intersection of cultural, intellectual, social, and public history."--Jacket.