A.G. Richey, a major 19th-century Irish historian, is hardly visible to us despite his originality. Something he said 160 years ago was fresh at the time and is fresh today. At the start of a lecture to students of Alexandra College, Dublin, Richey said: “Thoroughly to appreciate the history of this or any country, it is necessary to sympathize with all parties—to understand their prejudices, their difficulties, and their errors.” It’s a striking, challenging, energizing statement.