Ann Lane is a preserver—or, in her own words, ‘a compulsive archivist’—who in this beautiful, multi-layered and textured collection provides us with a memorable and permanent record of great swathes of Irish social history. She modestly describes the 400 photographs on display here as ‘a jaunt through the decades’, but in truth this book is much more than that. It weaves its way through domestic and international politics, rural history, the vibrant Irish music scene of the 1970s, the impact and significance of the women’s movement, and the personal experiences of many of the characters who have made an impact in all those areas. What shines through is Ann Lane’s zest for life, her appreciation of the distinctiveness of Irish culture and music, her love of people and their stories, her devotion to the outdoor life and her determination to experiment widely: ‘I think life goes in cycles and you move on to something else without dismissing what you’ve previously done’. It is this adventurousness, openness and versatility that have made her the wonderful photographer she is. Ann Lane, as is so evident in these pages, has a special talent, and we can all be very grateful that she has decided to share it with us in such a comprehensive way.