'This is an important pioneering work...its author has done a considerable service to anyone interested in the intellectual development of Ireland.' - P.J. McGrath, Irish Times 'The ultimate refutation of the Irish joke ... a comprehensive summary of the varied patterns of thought as they have evolved through the ages.' - The Tuam Herald 'This book is a significant contribution to the history of Irish thought, and contains much that will be of interest to all students of Irish culture.' - Eddie Hyland, Irish Studies Review 'This book is a significant contribution to the history of Irish thought, and contains much that will be of interest to all students of Irish culture.' 'Lucidly written and timely ... an impressive achievement and deserves a wide audience, including all those interested in Irish culture.' - Dermot Moran, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews 'A marvellous book, clear comprehensive and a pleasure to read.' - Australian Journal of Irish-Australian Studies 'Thomas Duddy ... has distilled a great mass of material (the bibliography is 25 pages long) into a marvellous book, clear, comprehensive and a pleasure to read.' - The Australian Irish Network ' ... Duddy has presented us with quite a detailed history, which reveals something of the diversity and interest of the contributions made by the Irish ... Duddy's main virtues as an historian of thought are his sustained attempt to be as inclusive and as fair as possible to the thinkers he deals with, not forgetting the clarity of his prose style.' - Tijdschrift Voor Filosofie