Edmund Rice's forthcoming beatification (6 October 1996) will undoubtedly stimulate debate on his role in the development of modern Irish education and indeed the Catholic Church. He is perhaps one of the most famous men of his generation, yet surprisingly little is known about him.Rice's life spanned a crucial era, from the dawn of Emancipation to the eve of the Great Famine. These were vital years in the formation of the Irish Catholic consciousness, marking the emergence from the Penal era and the establishment of the modern Church. In all of these matters, Rice made a significant contribution, fostering confidence and creating a literate modern society.Daire Keogh's new biography deals in detail with the salient aspects of Rice's life: his marriage and family life; his friendship with O'Connell, Father Theobald Mathew and Charles Bianconi; and his financial success, the substance of which he used to promote education and alleviate poverty. Read Less