This book is the ninth volume in Thomas D'Arcy McGee's comprehensive history of Ireland, consisting of twelve books in total. It covers the early Stuart period, a time of great political and religious upheaval in Ireland. McGee, an Irish refugee and father of the Canadian confederation, provides a detailed account of the events of this period, with a particular focus on the actions of Oliver Cromwell, who is seen from the Irish perspective as one of the most villainous men in history.