A short, accessible and entertaining history from one of Ireland's best-loved writers, now updated to bring our country's story right up to date. It deals with prehistory, the Celts, Christianity, the Vikings, the Normans. The various conquests and rebellions are covered, including Cromwell, Wolfe Tone, the 1916 Rising. Linking past to present, it brings history up to date, providing an interesting account of both North and South through the 20th century, clarifying the development and intricacies of the Northern 'troubles' and the many attempts to resolve them. Understanding and sympathetic, this little book gives a clear and stimulating grasp of Ireland, past and present.