About the Author

Diarmaid Ferriter teaches history at St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin City University. He is the author of A Nation of Extremes: the Pioneers in 20th-century Ireland and Lovers of Liberty? Local government in 20th-century Ireland, and co-author with Colm TA ibA-n of The Irish Famine.

Reviews

The country enters the twenty-first century on a wave of prosperity and apparent self-confidence. The achievement of Diarmaid Ferriter's massive new history is to show just how hard-won this success has been ... This will be an influential book, and is a remarkable achievement. Roy Foster, Guardian 'A landmark book, full of insight and intelligent judgement and sheer diligent research. Ferriter is at ease in the world of high politics and policy-making, but it is his work on economic, social, cultural and gender issues, which makes his account of Ireland during this period itself a transformation in historical methodology' - Colm Toibin 'Deeply honest ... This huge book is a rich study of Ireland in the twentieth century. It is a veritable mine of information.' - Tom Devine, Glasgow Herald 'A timely and masterful new survey of twentieth-century Ireland. This is Ireland laid bare ... Ferriter's book has set a new standard, unlikely to be surpassed for many years and he carries his scholarship lightly. This is no stuffy or over-erudite work, but one which is immensely readable from start to finish - an impressive achievement' - Marianne Elliott, Director of the Institute of Irish Studies and Professor of Modern History, Liverpool University 'This is one of the most important books to be published this year ... a seminal work in its ambition and scope ... entertaining and comprehensive.' - John Bruton, Irish Independent 'Diarmaid Ferriter's brilliant use of new sources, his attention to ordinary as well as extraordinary lives and his judicious balance of scepticism and engagement make this the most vivid and stimulating history of 20th century Ireland currently available.' - Fintan O'Toole