The biography of James Gandon by Hugo Duffy brings the man and his times closer to us. In their time James Gandon's buildings helped create the impetus the impetus for the city's expansion to the east. They signalled the decline of the medieval city and confirmed the ascendancy of 'Georgian' Dublin.

Architecture has changed little in the past two hundred years. We recognise Gandon's alarm at the difficulties that were encountered in laying the foundations of Custom House, his regret in being compelled to commence construction before the plans were completed and the public controversy and 'planning' difficulties surrounding the project.