The 'Tinkers' in Irish Literature: Unsettled Subjects and the Construction of Difference

The book examines the portrayal of Irish travellers, or 'tinkers', in literature from the early nineteenth century to the present. It analyzes how these characters are often depicted as the 'primitive' Other in the context of Irish identity politics, reflecting societal attitudes and tensions. Through a detailed exploration of various literary works, the study reveals the evolution of the 'tinker' figure, highlighting shifts from a scapegoat role to a more nuanced representation that embodies the complexities of Anglo-Irish identity during different historical periods.