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
