Athlone-born writer John Broderick was an astringent commentator on the rapidly shifting mores of Ireland from the 1960s to 1980s. Better known for his novels, he was also a prolific reviewer and essayist. This new collection, featuring a foreword by Bruce Arnold, brings together a fascinating and eclectic selection of his book reviews and other journalism, as well as some previously unpublished short fiction. Between 1956 and 1988, Broderick produced over three hundred review columns on a wide range of books and topics. A carefully chosen selection of these include his thoughts on Francis Stuart, Lee Dunne, Padraic Fallon, Oscar Wilde, Kate O'Brien and Liam O'Flaherty, among others. His journalism also gave him space to reflect on other preoccupations, such as Athlone, Irish society, the Church, books, writers and human nature. It allowed him freedom to write humourously, seriously, sometimes pessimistically, even savagely. His writings are of increasing relevance and interest in today's Ireland.