Discusses the Gorta Mor in 1840s Ireland, the famine in British-controlled Bengal in 1943, and the string of famines in Ethiopia in the late 20th century, and explores the concept that while famine can be caused by crop failures and weather conditions, famines are worsened by man-made choices such as politics and social and religious ideology.

"Previously published in 2010 in Australia by Knopf"--T.p. verso.

The three famines -- Democracy and starvation -- Short commons -- Nature's triggers -- God's hand -- Coping -- Villains : Ireland -- Villains and heroes : Bengal -- Villains : Ethiopia -- Whistleblowers -- Famine diseases -- Evictions, movements, and emigration in Bengal and Ireland -- Evictions and movements, Mengistu-style -- Resistance -- Relief : Ireland -- Relief : Bengal -- Relief : Ethiopia -- Other catastrophes.