How did Protestantism influence the subject matter and vision of twentieth century writers from the north of Ireland? Was it a merely negative, inhibiting, backward-looking and self-defensive force within the community, as some observers have claimed? Theologically, politically and culturally, was it ever a source of creative energy and a stimulus to the literary imagination? These are some of the questions this book confronts in a new and wide ranging examination of the relationship between northern Irish Protestantism and writing.