I found it a little apologetic towards the IRA but overall an interesting look at the relationship between Ireland and England and the fractious neighbourly relationship between the two. By portraying the Irish as being backward and ignorant, conquerors could make themselves look better and justify what they did. Interesting to see that practices were then exported after testing on the Irish. Anyone who wonders why the Irish rankle about being labeled as British (vide Starbucks during the Diamond Jubilee) should be forcefed this book or it's ilk. ( )