This book considers not just Irish history, but also how perspectives and treatments of that history have effected modern Ireland, north and south. While knowledge of history can help explain our contemporary situation, an awareness of some of the myths and misuses of our history can further help create a framework for understanding our current political and social challenges. AUTHOR: Brian M. Walker is Professor Emeritus of Irish Studies at Queen’s University of Belfast. He is a former director of the Institute of Irish Studies and a former member of the politics school at Queen’s. He has served as chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and president of the Linen Hall Library, Belfast. He is the author of various books on Irish history and politics, such as A political history of the two Irelands: from partition to peace and Dancing to history’s tune: history, myth and politics in Ireland. He lives in Belfast.