This timely book tells the compelling story of the Royal College of Physicians of Irelan, from its origins as a Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall which was established in Dublin in 1654.

The narrative is not only about the many advances in healthcare since then, but also about the personal, as well as the professional, lives of the men and women who have made the college what it is today. This superbly-presented volume, with over 500 illustrations, also takes the reader on a fascinating journey through nearly four centuries of Ireland's turbulent history. The cast of characters includes leading Irish physicians, along with monarchs, presidents, military leaders and revolutionaries; there are literary figures too, such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, James Joyce and many others.

The extensive archive of the College contains a wealth of material if historical significance, and the inclusion of so many images, and facsimiles of key historical documents, has added greatly to the text. This book offers new insights into the development of medical care in Ireland, as well as providing a fresh angle on some of the main events of European Irish and Anglo-Irish history. It will be an important addition to the library of those who wish to discover more about this island and the lives of its people.