The impetus behind this work was the 75th anniversary of the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) and as such, that of Ardnacrusha hydro electric power station. 7 chapters by 6 different authors on different aspects of the power station, from planning and construction, the economic and political background, social conditions, the narrow gauge railway system used in its construction and the artistic endeavours in recording the work make for an interesting overview of the enormous operation undertaken by the fledgling Free State.
The authors and editor are to be congratulated on the no holds barred approach taken in telling the story, particularly the chapter on how the Shannon Scheme workers lived. This is in contrast to the earlier published history of the rural electrification programme "The Quiet Revolution", which glossed over what can only be described as appalling treatment meted out to these employees, even by the standards of the day.