Between pirates, sporting heroes, female companions, scientists, explorers, highwaymen, quacks, poets and rebels, Ireland has had her share of astonishing historical characters.Poet, Madman, Scoundrel takes a selection of Irish men and women from our archives and presents their lives in a broad sweep of Irish history, from Brian Boru to Brendan Behan.From the author of How to Be Irish, this is another compelling look at the Irish which will make you wonder why they don't teach this kind of history in school.