This book tells in simple outline, the story of the political evolution of 12th & 13th century Ireland. During this period Ireland was brought by her princes and bishops into the mainstream of events in north-western Europe. A ferment of new thinking was modifying inbred traditions even before the arrival of the Anglo Normans. In turn their initial successes provoked an involvement of England with Ireland, the consequences of which are with us to this day. This is the third volume in the comprehensive 11 volume "Gill History of Ireland," which covers Irish history from the fifth century to the 1960s.