That Neutral Island: A Cultural History of Ireland During the Second Wo Hardcover – Illustrated, 1 September 2007

This is a fascinating book about Ireland during the second world war. We all know about Switzerland's and Sweden's neutrality, but few know the story of neutral Ireland teaming with Nazi spies only miles off the coast of England.

This book gives a very thorough, interesting and balanced account of how the Irish Free State (now Eire) was affected by World War 2. Very importantly, it describes events and developments in Irish society during the years leading up to the war, and then goes on to describe the many ways that the war caused changes in the life of the country. It contains a great deal of information and it is not judgmental. There is a thorough coverage of the political situation, and of the dominant role of De Valera. De Valera had to try to appear impartial and not show preference for either of the belligerents, although he took a very hard line with the IRA. However, the book emphasizes constantly the many effects on Irish society, and in particular the ordinary people. This is a very fine book indeed.