On August 26th 1913, the trams of Dublin stopped. Over the next four months, James Larkin would lead the workers of Dublin against William Martin Murphy and the Employers Federation in a conflict that would change the face of Irish society.
Category: Biography/Memoir, Dublin 1913 Lockout, Graphic Novel, History
The story of Jim Larkin and the lockout of Dublin workers in 1913 led by William Martin Murphy, told in graphic novel form.
On August 26th 1913, the trams of Dublin stopped. The Great Dublin Lockout had begun. Over the next four months, James Larkin would lead the workers of Dublin against William Martin Murphy and the Employers Federation in a conflict that would change the face of Irish industrial relations.
Dublin was brought to its knees by the food shortages and the aftermath of Bloody Sunday. As winter approached, Larkin lead his Firey Cross campaign to England, hoping to rally the entire United Kingdom to strike in support of the Irish workers.
with an evident respect for history, they bring the pages of textbooks to life for the young adult reader
enlightening
even-handed in its representation, Paddy Lynch’s understated artwork complements McConville’s engaging and historically accurate material
a wonderful atmospheric ambiance
effective text and graphics have brought the episodes vividly to life
one to be highly recommended
this graphic novel is important
McConville’s writing is at all times very tight; Big Jim is clearly a work that’s been edited and rewritten and edited some more, but the process stands to the finished product
I had my stepfather read it, to see what he thought. He’s a huge history buff. It was the first graphic novel he’d ever seen, He said – I think it would be a great introduction for young people coming to history for the first time, who want to know what happened and get a taste of the era, but don’t want to have to go diving into some big tome.
accessible format
beautifully illustrated
the children … were fascinated by their [Rory and Paddy’s] presentation
McConville’s writing is skilful
Lynch’s artwork is extremely effective, as rough and dark as the era it depicts, and interesting use is made of archival photographs cleverly interspersed throughout
quite witty in places
an enjoyable and unique read, as well as being a great introduction to the Lockout in it its centenary year
an immersive, almost thriller-like, storytelling style
enjoyable to read ... a good sense of the time
would highly recommend people buy it
'the Irish comics industry has never been in better form, something which this offering from Rory McConville and Paddy Lynch only serves to confirm'
'[O’Brien Press graphic novels] appeal as much to children as to older readers'
'a valuable and refreshing look at an important part of Irish history'
