A rip-roaring ride through the history of the Emerald Isle, Ireland's story is an amazingly dramatic and intense one - and today the influence of Irish culture can be felt around the globe. This book helps you find out why, taking you on a rollercoaster journey through the highs and lows of Ireland's past including invasions, battles, executions, religious divide, uprisings, emigration - and Riverdance! Mike Cronin is a lecturer at the Centre for Irish Programmes, Boston College, Dublin. He has written 5 books on Irish history. You can discover: when and how Ireland became Celtic, Ireland and Britain's complex relationship, the evolution of Irish culture, how Irish emigration has affected the world, and Northern Ireland's rocky road to peace.