The Irish Act of Union: A Study in High Politics 1798-1801

Dr Garret FitzGerald described the hardback edition of Patrick Geoghegan's book as 'surely the definitive work on the union'. Geoghegan's groundbreaking study is exactly that. The union of 1800-01 created a single United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. It lasted until the Treaty of 1922 gave birth to what is now the Republic of Ireland; it continues to obtain in Northern Ireland. Patrick Geoghegan's survey examines the passing of the Act of Union in greater detail than ever before, drawing on newly discovered secret service papers in the Public Record Office in London. These papers settle the long-running controversy about government bribery and the passing of the Act of Union. Geoghegan's analysis shows beyond a doubt that there was considerable bribery involved. He also connects the passing of the Act of Union to the collapse of William Pitt's ministry in 1801. This is a connection never made before: it gives a depth and context to Geoghegan's survey which makes it stand apart. Irish affairs impacted directly upon British fortunes at a deadly moment in the Napoleonic wars. This is an outstanding book.