In this lucid informative biography of Hubert Butler, Ireland's leading 20th century essayist, Robert Tobin grasps Butler's many analytic threads - ethnic, religious, political and not least parochial, provincial Ireland - and twines them together. He keeps all the balls in the air simultaneously and continuously engages and fascinates the reader. His narration is first class. Academic writers often manage the technical side of their work well - the research, organization, collection of data, lists of sources and bibliography - but fall short on the storytelling that holds the interest of the reader. Tobin does both brilliantly. Furthermore he notes Butler's sharp wit and ironic expression. In summary this book is magnificent: amazingly well researched, sensitively and subtly argued, and beautifully written.