Based on the television documentary series of the same name, the author charts the history of the Provisional IRA and Sinn Fein

The first part of the landmark trilogy documenting modern-day Northern Ireland, by the author of Loyalists and Brits This work examines the Provos, from 1969, when the IRA was effectively dead and buried, to within a few short years, when it had resurrected to become the most feared and sophisticated terrorist organization in the world. The book is based on in-depth interviews with key personalities in the Army, Police, British and Irish governments, giving first-hand accounts of the key events. It contains material not included in the television series being broadcast on BBC 1 in autumn 1997. Never before has an outsider had such access to record the remarkable history of the provisional IRA and Sinn Fein, from their dramatic beginnings to the critical juncture they have reached today - on the brink of becoming part of the cabinet in the new government of Northern Ireland. An astonishing story, told as only Peter Taylor could. There are no images in this edition *PRAISE FOR PETER TAYLOR* ‘Only a journalist of Peter Taylor’s standing could have persuaded people from all sides in the conflict to cooperate in such a manner. The result was a first-rate piece of journalism. It was also first-rate history’ Guardian

"PRAISE FOR PETER TAYLOR: Peter Taylor should be ranked alongside David Attenborough in any panoply of TV grandees … To report on the region since 1972 and have all sides still talking to you with trust and respect is quite an achievement. As perhaps is the fact that he is still breathing" - The Times

"Taylor has built a justified reputation as by far the most knowledgeable British – or Irish – television reporter on Northern Irish affairs" - Irish Times

"A reporter who can face human horror and help us comprehend it" - Radio Times