In Ireland, more than most places, history is not a distant story but a living presence in the lives of the people.
That history, from Celtic origins to the mid-1990's, is engagingly explored by the authors, who have not only provided the expected political history but also have included the mythic and literary elements which are central to the understanding of the people. Special attention is given to the American connection, which has loomed large in Irish affairs - (there are now more Irish-Americans than indigenous Irish).
Well written, with illustrations, reading list, and index, this is an excellent introduction to the complexities of the Irish experience.
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"The Irish Question" is an excellent tool to help one understand the political events taking place in Northern Ireland today. Being of Irish ancestry, I had a strong personal interest in separating fact from fiction in what I had been told about the politics of Irish history. This book could be considered dry in style if one is not interested in the history of Anglo-Irish relations.

"The Irish Question" chronologically follows the social and political history of conflict in Ireland ending in the later part of the twentieth century. After reading this book, I felt that I could more confidently form an opinion on current events in Northern Ireland. I thoughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it.

I also found the book "The Potato" fascinating in its historical account of a food source that played such a crucial role in the lives of the Irish (and many other western nations) in the 18th and 19th centuries.