The "isle of poets and scholars" has known almost constant warfare for centuries. In 1920, it was divided into North and South. Yet this purely political solution left a religious and cultural schism intact. This presentation follows Ireland's tragic course from St. Patrick to Britain's imposition of direct rule in 1974.

Paul Johnson is the author of many books, including Modern Times, A History of the Jews, Intellectuals, The Birth of the Modern, and The Quest for God, which have been translated into many languages. He writes a weekly essay for the Spectator and is a frequent contributor to the Daily Telegraph, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other newspapers and magazines. He has lectured to academic, business, and political audiences all over the world. He lives in London.