Making Sense of the Troubles: A History of the Northern Ireland Conflict

(Paperback)

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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

Reviews

Compellingly written and very even-handed. By far the clearest account of what happened in the Northern Ireland conflict and more importantly why it happened * Irish News *
Extraordinarily well-balanced, sane, comprehensive and rich in sober understatement -- Cal McCrystal * Glasgow Herald *
Even-handed, clearly written, and set to become one of the definitive works on the subject * Scotland on Sunday *
For those looking for a pragmatic understanding of the country known as Northern Ireland it is essential reading -- John Coulter * Sunday Business Post *

Author Bio

David McKittrick has reported on the Northern Ireland troubles since the 1970s. After working for the Irish Times and BBC he has been Ireland correspondent of the London Independent since 1985. Awards include the Orwell Prize, correspondent of the year and Belfast journalist of the year. David McVea graduated in politics and modern history from Queen's University, Belfast, and has an MA from Sussex University. He was head of the politics department of a Belfast grammar school where he taught both history and political studies. They were among the authors of the landmark million-word book 'Lost Lives,' detailing all those who died in the troubles, which received the Christopher Ewart-Biggs memorial prize for the promotion of peace and understanding in Ireland.