No period of eighteenth century Irish history has been subject to such detailed examination as its last two decades, but rarely has any period of Irish History suffered so completely from lack of original approach and from such casual acceptance of outmoded interpretations. 

This book represents the first coherent attempt since Lecky to analyse in extenso the history of the Anglo Irish constitutional relationship as it existed during the legislative independence experiment of the period 1782 to 1800.

The 'constitutional crisis' of the years 1779-1782 is subjected to substantial revision, the theory that a 'patriot tradition' existed in eighteenth century Ireland is challenged and fresh perspectives are offered on the attitude of William Pitt to Irish affairs.