States of Mind: A Study of Anglo-Irish Conflict 1780-1980

Joint winner of the Christopher Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize, "States of Mind combines imagination, wit, erudition and literary and analytical skills of the highest order. On the MacDonagh level--admittedly reached by few--history is an art as well as a science" (Dervia Murphy). With stunning originality Oliver MacDonagh explores the causes of the Anglo-Irish conflict over the last two centuries. He considers crucial differences between British and Irish attitudes to time, place and property. He demonstrates the towing influence of Daniel O'Connell as well as the reactionary effect of violence in Irish history, and he reveals the elements of ambiguity and self-deception in both Irish cultural politics and Britain's Irish policies over many years. States of Mind is essential reading for anyone with an interest int eh problems which beset Anglo-Irish relations--and in their solution.