A little disappointing. I had no idea of the extent of the Irish nationalist terrorist activities in the 19th century, nor the massive support given to terrorists in the US (for example some convicted terrorists - bombers who had killed with their explosions - were released by the British government on condition that they would never enter the UK again, and went to the USA, where the President gave them a reception). The British government set up a relatively effective counter-terrorist organisation, but then proceeded to muddy the waters by setting up too many such departments, each of which seem to have been headed by self-righteous maniacs, convinced that the other departments were headed by fools (what's changed?).

The ins and outs of all of this bureaucratic infighting, and the extensive use of agents provocateurs, form the basis for this book. Immaculately researched, there is no doubt. There is use made of documents that have not seen the light of day before (and there are still some locked away - it wasn't known as the Secret Service for nothing). But the presentation, though the style verges on the chatty at times, still remains turgid to my mind. The subject matter is complex, and can’t be skated over, but at the same time, I am not quite sure why this didn't appeal. I've read books on equally complex subjects that have held my interest. ( )