Catalpa

The epic story of the greatest prison rescue in Irish history

Six prisoners. One whaleship. A plot bold enough to shake the British Empire.

SIX PRISONERS. ONE WHALESHIP. A PLOT BOLD ENOUGH TO SHAKE THE BRITSH EMPIRE.

Catalpa tells the extraordinary true story of one of the most audacious operations in Irish history – the rescue of six Fenian prisoners who were transported to Fremantle Prison, Australia, the farthest edge of the world.

It is a tale driven by courage, obsession and improbable alliances. From meticulous planning by the steely minded John Devoy (the greatest of all the Fenians), to the selections of the ship and Yankee captain; the long voyage, first whaling then travelling to western Australia; with the thrilling escape in an open rowboat for 28 hours through surf and storm; the pursuit and the long sail across the oceans – culminating in the triumphant arrival of the prisoners in New York and ultimately freedom in America. Richly researched and vividly told, Michael Barry restores this forgotten epic to the centre of Irish history. It is a story of endurance and ingenuity, of diaspora and rebellion, and of how a handful of determined men fought against despair to achieve the unthinkable and defy an empire.

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK as soon as stock is available.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-7 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 30 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.