First published ten years ago, Making Sense of the Troubles is widely regarded as the most comprehensive, considered and compassionate history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Written by a distinguished journalist and a teacher of history in Northern Ireland, it surveys the roots of the problems from 1921 onwards, the descent into violence in the late 60s, and the three terrible decades that followed. David McKittrick and David McVea have now fully updated the book to take into account the momentous events of the last ten years, including the disbanding of the IRA, Ian Paisley’s deal with the Republicans and the historic power-sharing government in Belfast.

‘Indispensable for anyone who wants an account of the whole period.’ Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s chief negotiator with Sinn Fein and the IRA

‘McKittrick is one of the most respected of journalists and McVea is an experienced, highly knowledgeable politics teacher. The style is lucid and accessible, showing admirable balance and calmness.’ Professor Richard English

‘A vivid, coherent, fair account of this incoherent and violently unfair period. Its chronology is a rich tapestry in its own right.’ Observer

‘Comprehensive and compassionate.’ Irish Times

‘Extraordinarily well-balanced, sane, comprehensive and rich in sober understatement.’ Glasgow Herald

‘Given the impact and success of their previous work Lost Lives it was a lot to expect a book of equal standing and credibility. But this does not disappoint.’ Sunday Business Post

‘Frank, accurate and authoritative, the authors provide understanding of motivation, empathy for victims and meticulous scholarship.’ Irish Independent

‘A book combining vast journalistic expertise and historical perspective in a rich and seamless web - judicious, comprehensive and compassionate.’ Professor Paul Arthur