Review

`Its footnotes are a treat to read, as they are cutting and frequently amusing' History

`One of Howe's great virtues is that he is accurate when portraying the writings of those with whom he disagrees, which is no small achievement' History

`Presents the views of the various players in the debate fairly and often more clearly than they do themselves' History

`Howe ... deserves commendation for addressing his subjects and readers as equals rather than mystified puppets or keepers of ineffable mysteries, and for sharpening the tools of our labours.' Patrick Maume, Queens University Belfast

`This should be read by anyone interested in understanding the ways in which historians, lierary critics, political scientists, poiticians and propogandists have perceived Ireland's past and present. Howe offers a wide ranging and sophisticated challenge to those who would put colonialism and imperialism at the centre of explanations of Ireland's history and current condition.' Brendan Smith, Unversity of Bristol.

`the author does a service by showing that the great divide is not always or even mainly sectarian.' Robert Redmond, Contemporary Review, Nov.2000.

`a valuable contribution to the understanding of a serious problem.' Robert Redmond, Contemporary Review, Nov.2000.

`Debates between nationalists and so-called revisionists have raged over the years. Stephen Howe's provocative new book is a brave attempt to untangle aspects of this debate.' Jonathan Moore, Irish Post, 8th July 00.

`Howe reviews a massive amount of historical and cultural, literature to highlight the approaches of hundreds of different writers to the key question - where does Ireland fit in? A more relevant or better researched book would be difficult to find.' Jonathan Moore, Irish Post, 8th July 00.

`A key part of Howe's book is an analysis of the debate on the modern Troubles.' Jonathan Moore, Irish Post, 8th July 00.

About the Author

Stephen Howe is at Ruskin College, Oxford.