This new edition by Biletz replaces a 1997 one by C. Thomas and A. Thomas (CH, Mar'98, 35-3673). Significant changes in Northern Ireland have occurred since the last edition was published; the peace process that ended 'The Troubles' was still in progress in 1997. Thus, this new edition is able to cover, with some historical perspective, the landmark Good Friday Agreement of 1998 and the subsequent amendment of the Constitution of Ireland a year later. Like all of the volumes in Scarecrow's 'Historical Dictionary' series, this one features a chronology, prefatory essay, and detailed bibliography. Also included are a political map and a handy key to acronyms and abbreviations. The 20-page introduction is an excellent summary of Irish history.

The detailed chronology that follows is nearly 50 pages. Over 600 alphabetically arranged, cross-referenced entries, including biographical profiles, place descriptions, and historical event summaries, make up the body. Most topics merit a brief paragraph, but other particularly significant ones, e.g., 'Catholicism,' 'Bloody Sunday,' 'Emigration,' and 'Unionism,' are longer. Overall, this is an excellent, handy reference resource for information on both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers.