Four Courts Press Ltd

Part of the Maynooth Studies in Local History series

Sir Shane Leslie once wrote that 'Country life was entirely organized to give nobility and gentry and demi-gentry a good time.' Throughout Ireland and Britain the country house was a centre of hospitality, entertainment and leisure, with the hosting of house parties, soirees and balls. Pastimes included photography, painting, astronomy and taxidermy.

The Friends of Irish Freedom has been described as one of the most effective propaganda machines in Irish-American history. The author describes the factors that led to the establishment of the Friends and those that coloured its nationalist outlook.