In it Joy gives expression to the political ferment of Belfast and its hinterland at a time of optimistic constitutional endeavour.

Volunteers, United Irishmen, Catholic Committee- they all speak in this book. And they don't just declaim, they argue about reform. all agree that change must come: but should the franchise be deepened amongst Protestants, and should the Catholics be included in the Constitution and be part of the body politic?

Also included in this work are Strictures On The Test Taken By Certain Societies Of United Irishmen and articles by William Bruce, Thoughts On The British Constitution. Brendan Clifford supplies an Introduction providing context, as well as an Afterword examining the reasons for the disappointing Northern turn-out for the 1798 Rebellion and the silence of Belfast during the passing of the Union Bill.

Also reviewed is the attempt by former United Irishmen during the following generation to establish an independent Belfast University (of which Inst is a remnant).

A Postscript examines some recent contributions from Cambridge University to the re-writing of Irish history in the British interest.