The Ulster Tales captures the lives and experience of ten individuals who were caught up in the troubles. Each has a very distinct story to tell according to their role and position. Arranged roughly in chronological order, the book covers the media, military, intelligence, police, business, politics and civil service. The first tale is that of Simon Hoggart, the journalist who reported for The Guardian in Belfast and London from the start. The military angle is covered by the GOC at a critical moment (General Sir Richard Lawson), a Private in the Green Howards from Barnsley and a widow. A member of MI5 and a key Source Handler represents the Intelligence effort. The politician is Tom King who was Secretary of State at the time of the Anglo-Irish Agreement and narrowly avoided assassination and we hear of the role of a top civil servant, Sir John Blelloch. The Policeman's Tale is that of a young Met officer who transferred to the RUC. The book is both a tribute to the many who dedicated their lives to the fight against terrorism and an original and interesting way of promoting a better understanding of the complex Northern Ireland situation. AUTHOR: General Sir John Wilsey was commissioned into the Devon and Dorset Regiment. During his distinguished career he served in Northern Ireland and in every rank bar one, culminating as the GOC from 190-93. Now retired he wrote the acclaimed biography of H johns VC ? The Life and Death of an Unusual Hero. SELLING POINTS: ? A highly original treatment of The Troubles in Northern Ireland 1969-2000 ? Through the experiences of ten very different individuals, the momentous events in the Province are geographically described ? The reader is given a unique insight into the political, military and industrial aspects of the period ? The author has exceptional knowledge and access having been the GOC in Northern Ireland. He wrote the best selling biography of ?H' Jones VC ILLUSTRATIONS: 16 pages b/w plates *
