The book analyses Thomas Orde's background, along with the state of education in Ireland during his time as Chief Secretary, the evolution of his ideas on education, his main education plan of 1787 and reactions to his plan. The principal reactions came from the churches, the press and parliament.

Dr Tony Lyons, Retired Lecturer in History of Education, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. Author of The Education Work of Richard Lovell Edgeworth 2003; the Pay Schools of Ireland and their Interface with the National Board, 2020; Thomas Wyse, 1791-1862: A leading advocate of education Reform, 2023.