cover image The Irish Troubles: A Generation of Violence, 1967-1992

The Irish Troubles: A Generation of Violence, 1967-1992

J. Bowyer Bell. St. Martin's Press, $35 (872pp) ISBN 978-0-312-08827-9

Author of numerous books on political violence, including three dealing with the outlawed Irish Republican Army, Bell, a historian at Columbia University, is well qualified to record the most recent chapter in Ireland's troubled history. He writes vividly of the conflict, creating a memorable picture of the significant events and personalities of this tragic drama; he is even-handed in his depictions of the IRA, its Protestant paramilitary counterparts and the British Army. Bell reflects poignantly on the few occasions when peace might have been restored if one of the factions or the representatives of official political interests had responded differently. Even more sadly, he sees no end to the conflict. This is an impressive work. (Mar.)