In this history of Ireland, the text unravels the threads that make up Irish history. Celts, Vikings, and Normans battle for supremacy in the early days; Christianity and kingship are established; later come stories of plantation and rebellion, the development of constitutional and extra-constitutional political cultures, and the emergence of the competing Nationalist and Unionist traditions. Ireland's history is dominated by personalities: St Patrick brought Christianity to the island, while, so legend maintains, also ridding it of snakes; the warrior king Brian Boru; the invader Strongbow; the merciless conqueror Oliver Cromwell; William of Orange; and James II as well as the patriots and politicians of more recent times - Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Patrick Pearse, Edward Carson, Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins.