The author has taken a serious subject in the history of Ireland and as always masterfully presented it in a funny, ironic and entertaining way. This historical novel is a story of four generations of Rackrent heirs told in the voice of their longtime steward, Thady Quirk. The story gives us a satirical view of the decline and fall of a noble Irish house into poverty through drinking, extravagant living and a wild passion for loosing cases at law. Through the stories of different generations of the same family, each presents an example of the irresponsible Irish gentry.