Welcome to Litsy!

The first 2/3 of this slim book covers the history of England in Ireland, including the partition into North and South, which was entirely for economic reasons, with religious sectarianism used as the excuse, and grim reading it makes for an English person with a heavily edited version of history received from 70s/80s school and media. The last 1/3 gives Foot's outline for British withdrawal. Post-Good Friday Agreement, it still seems reasonable.

As another Brexit deadline looms, and with the status of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland being crucial, a book written in 1989, pre-Good Friday Agreement, might feel somewhat dated, but as the possibility of opening old wounds seems significant, understanding how deep the wounds run might be useful. I'm *really* hoping that the fragile peace in Northern Ireland is not sacrificed on the altar of vain ambition.
(Photo of Paul Foot)