An account of Irish history since the earliest times. This concise and even-handed account gives the history of Ireland since the earliest times. Based on up-to-date research, the book covers political, social and cultural issues of importance. The author is particularly enlightening about the root causes of the Northern Troubles and the relationship between Britain and Ireland. Ireland is news; since the IRA ceasefire in the autumn of 1994, she has become the focus of worldwide attention. Only now can one sense an international recognition of the complexity of Irish problems and the beginnings of understanding.