"An excellent primer on Ireland and its relations with its neighbour, written in a tone of rationality that draws a line under the mistakes of the earlier centuries."--Simon Heffer, Daily Telegraph "In this crowded field, what sets John Gibney's work of synthesis apart is its skilful combination of readability and, despite its modest length, breadth."--Cormac ó Gráda, BBC History "Gibney's book, a concise, accurate and fair assessment of Anglo-Irish relations between 1500 and 2000, should be required reading." -- The Daily Telegraph (Read This Week) "This admirable, succinct account of developments in Irish society from the sixteenth century to the present identifies several unresolved historiographical issues, and offers an especially judicious discussion of controversies concerning the 18th and 19th centuries."--Nicholas Canny, National University of Ireland, Galway "Succinct, clearly written, and up-to-date. John Gibney condenses great masses of historical matter into brisk, accessible, narrative."--James Smyth, University of Notre Dame "Gibney's work is distinguished by remarkable range, impressive erudition lightly worn, exceptional talent for incisive summary, and a highly readable style. Gibney blends political, social and economic history in a seamless flow that leaves the reader eager to find out what comes next.

This is not only a work of first class scholarship, but the product of penetrating and wide-ranging thought."--J. J. Lee, New York University.