Publisher's Synopsis
A timely work of major historical importance, examining the whole spectrum of events from the 1916 Easter Rising to the current and ongoing peace process, fully updated with a new afterword for the paperback edition.
'An essential book . closely-reasoned, formidably intelligent and utterly compelling . required reading across the political spectrum . important and riveting' Roy Foster, The Times
'An outstanding new book on the IRA . a calm, rational but in the end devastating deconstruction of the IRA' Henry McDonald, Observer
'Superb . the first full history of the IRA and the best overall account of the organization. English writes to the highest scholarly standards . Moreover, he writes with the common reader in mind: he has crafted a fine balance of detail and analysis and his prose is clear, fresh and jargon-free . sets a new standard for debate on republicanism' Peter Hart, Irish Times
'The one book I recommend for anyone trying to understand the craziness and complexity of the Northern Ireland tragedy.' Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes
