The Men Who Built Britain: A History of the Irish Navvy

'The contribution of the Irish "Navvy" to the British construction industry has been "immeasurable". For over two centuries, for hundreds of thousands of rural Irish male immigrants to Britain, the best chance of a start was in construction. While the men themselves have been largely forgotten or ignored, the canals, the railways, the roads, tunnels, dams and public utilities of Britain stand as lasting monuments to their sacrifices and achievements. "The Men Who Built Britain" has been researched by Ultan Cowley over a number of years. In it he quotes extensively from numerous interviews with genuine Irish navvies and subcontractors, senior English management and relatives of those involved. Generously illustrated with striking pictures - many never previously published - this book ensures that the true story of the Irish navvy will not be forgotten.'