Travels of William Smith O'Brien is a fascinating exploration of the mid 19th century world by a Protestant nationalist who spent four and a half years in Van Dieman's Land.

Recently discovered journals prove William Smith O'Brien a writer of exceptional interest. O'Brien proved a passionate European traveller and analyst of the conditions and policies of numerous countries.

Not till the arrival of Garret FitzGerald in the 20th century was any Irishman so conversant with European political, religious and social developments. Both before and after his free pardon in 1856, O'Brien acted as an unofficial ambassador at large for his country, being honourably received by President Buchanan of the United States of America, Marshal McMahon, later President of France, and Pope Pius IX.