As the author describes him; 'small in stature but larger than life, he has become a national talking-point, giving scope for all the subtle wit with which the Irish affectionately malign their politicians. He is one of the most praised and pilloried figurs of his time.' Faulkner is also a complex man--one of Ireland's unknown. We are introduced to some of the more unfamiliar sides of his private life--the family links, days in Dublin, literary intervals, the passion of the hunt. The Faulkner of industry, of the Orange Order and his wide range of contacts with British and Irish politicians is revealed. New light is also thrown on the O'Neill/Faulkner controversy and on personal encounters with Edward Heath. But the Faulkner biography is also a panorama of Irish political life, rich in people and events. Characters as varied as Ian Paisley 'The Northern Goliath', and William Craig 'one of Ulster's most enigmatic figures', appear with that 'avuncular and shrewd Tory giant' William Whitelaw. Lesser known, but equally colourful figures are recorded for the first time.