This anthology of Irish diaries features an eclectic selection from diarists known and unknown, including poets, farmers, politicians, scientists, preachers, architects, butter merchants, and even a reverend captured by Turkish pirates. Biographical detail and historical background are supplied for all diarists and diaries. The anthology covers diary excerpts from the 17th to the 20th century. From the 17th century, diarists include Richard Boyle, Elizabeth Freke and John Stevens; from the 18th century, the writings of John Scorr, John Wesley, Lucy Goddard, John Fitzgerald, Wolfe Tone and Elisabeth Richards are covered. The 19th-century diarists featured are Nicolas Cummins, Humphrey O'Sullivan, Lady Morgan, the Reverend Robert Traill, W.J. O'Neill Daunt, Elizabeth Grant, Thomas Carlyle and Henry Allen. From the 20th century, the diaries of James Stephens, Lady Gregory, Gemma Hussey and Richard Murphy are included.