Understanding our neighbour

THE RISE AND FALL OF CHRISTIAN IRELAND
By Crawford Gribben
OUP. 318 Pages. £25 (hardback)
ISBN 978 0 198 868 187

Whatever your prejudiced view of Ireland, this outstanding book, based on extensive research, and commended by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, will take you beyond your prejudices deep into the fascinating history of the ‘land of saints and scholars’.

Crawford Gribben, who taught at Trinity College Dublin and now at Queens University Belfast, is one of our best Christian historians at the top of his game. He takes us on an intriguing journey, meeting a cast of characters including Patrick, Columba (and Nessie!), Vikings, the original Strongbow, Malachy of Armagh, Archbishop Ussher, J.N. Darby, Sir Edward Carson, the Modest Dress and Deportment Crusade, and Ian Paisley. Rarely have I found a book so compelling.