This work is primarily concerned with the last great campaign in Daniel O'Connell's career and its impact on British and Irish politics. Dr. Nowlan also discusses the rise of the Young Ireland movement and the disputes between the Young Irelands and O'Connell.

Dr. Nowlan was educated at University College, Dublin, and at Peterhouse, Cambridge. Subsequently, in 1952/53, he studied in Marburg, Germany, and returned to Dublin to resume his duties as a lecturer in history in University College, Dublin. He is a frequent contributor to Irish radio and television programmes on current international affairs and on historical topics and also reviews political and historical works for Dublin newspapers.