This finely detailed and amply illustrated biography recreates the life and times of one of Ireland's earliest environmentalists, founder of the world movement for the protection of animals. A loveable Galwayman, Volunteer colonel, landlord-eccentric, lawyer-duellist, parliamentarian and champion of Catholic emancipation, his colourful, humorous personality is caught in this poised and readable work. 'A vivid, thoughtful, engrossing book.' - David Thompson, The Guardian 'He waged a one-man battle to stop the ill-use of animals. For that alone he deserves to be remembered and to have won such a sympathetic and fair biographer as Miss Lynam.' - T.G. Barker, The Cork Examiner 'The book is full of fascinating grace-notes about the history of both Ireland and England in a period of almost frenetic entanglement.' - John Horgan, The Listener 'A courageous and attractive man who deserves to be remembered with affection.' - Ruth Dudley Edwards, The Irish Press 'The most enthralling book I have read for a long time.' - Hibernia