"A refreshingly different take on this crucial era with a finely detailed exploration of the Boundary Commission, the resulting partition and its immediate aftermath ... A major thesis by a Kentucky man, now a professor in Washington, who spent years as a journalist." Books Ireland April 2004 "This is an excellent and well-written book which will engage ... Read morethe reader from page one. It is a fresh and original look at an unjustly neglected period in Irish and British history. It manages the unique achievement of addressing events in both countries in a balanced and interrelated way." Books Ireland Summer 2004 "There is much to admire in this book: it is assiduously researched and gives marvellous insights into the private thoughts of some of the political giants of the era." Irish Studies Review 13 (2) 2005 "Matthews has made an important and original contribution to our understanding of post-war British and Irish politics, demonstrating that they were intertwined to an extent not previously recognised." English Historical Review CXX 486 April 2005 "Matthews' sensible, careful, densely researched account of the first half of the 1920s presents a more nuanced and richly textured account of the British attempt to come to terms with the uncertain implications of the Anglo-Irish Treaty than has previously been available." American Historical Review Oct 2006 "provides students of both British and Irish history with a valuable and original analysis of the negotiation and implementation of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Supported by impressive archival research..." H-Net Book Review May 2006 Show Less