The anonymous or threatening letter played a significant role in Pre-Famine Ireland. This book collects the actual texts of over 500 such letters, dating from the 1801-45 period, together with an introduction which sets out in some detail the concepts involved.

The material has been taken in the main from the huge bulk of correspondence and reports which found its way to Dublin Castle from all over the Irish countryside, but is also supplemented by newspaper reports and the evidence produced before various parliamentary enquires. 

Stephen Gibbons books on history for young people include the foundation volume World War One of Longmans Modern Time series and Ireland 1780-1914 for the Blackie Evidence in History series.