Opening Hubert Butler's book of essays is like discovering gold. He has all the essayists's gifts: a clear, strong prose, a fascination with everyday affairs and their significance sub specie aeternitatis, a readiness to generalize, the ability to digress without wondering from the point, to inform without pedantry and enlighten without condescension, to give us pleasure simply by sharing his thoughts. I have touched only on the provocative riches contained in this excellent book. It will be treasured by those who possess it.' - Hugh Bredin, Fortnight 'I soon realized I had stumbled on an Irish talent of European stature.' - Chris Agee, The Linen Hall Review 'Opening the contents page, one has an impression of disparateness; closing the book, of having discovered an ouvre ... Butler has the Anglo-Irish antennae for place; his unadorned style expresses atmosphere with extraordinary clarity.' - Roy Foster, The Times Literary Supplement 'This is not a book to borrow. It is a book to keep. It is not only intelligent, urbane and scholarly. It is most entertaining.' - Liam Robinson, New Hibernia 'Hubert Butler's great figt is his ability to comprehend the workings of the mind of Catholic Ireland.' - Ulick O'Connor, Sunday Independent