This collection investigates the historical and cultural significance of Ireland's most influential figures through the unique lens of the obituary. The work compiles selected obituaries from The Times to provide a retrospective on individuals who shaped the political, social, and cultural landscape of Ireland and the wider world. By utilizing the obituary as a primary source, the text balances journalistic immediacy with the analytical depth of historical record.

The subject matter points to a specialized historical reference that serves as both a biographical archive and a study of journalistic practice. The framing suggests an accessible yet scholarly approach to Irish history, suitable for readers interested in the intersection of public life and personal legacy.