New Ireland Forum. (1) Public Sessions [30 May, 1983-2nd May, 1984]. Thirteen Reports with original titled wrappers bound together; (2) Reports & Studies [May 1984]: Nine Reports with original titled wrappers bound together (a series of studies on matters such as Economic Consequences of Division; Cost of Violence; Macroeconomic Consequences). Two volumes, bound in quarter calf boards, raised bands with titles lettered in gilt to spines. A fine set, handsomely bound. A major breakthrough in the history of these islands was achieved with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985 following on from the New Ireland Forum Report. John Hume was the leading architect of the Forum and subsequent Anglo-Irish Agreement. As part of its overall aim of finding a means toward reconciliation, the Forum sought a nationalist consensus as to the nature and causes of the Northern Irish conflict; to identify those principles that would have to be accommodated in any resolution; and also to see if there were any new political structures within which these principles could be accommodated. It was hoped that if a nationalist consensus could be produced, the Unionists and the British would be encouraged to do likewise, and thus lay the foundations for a realistic and informed debate. After 11 months of dedicted and conscientious effort by the participating parties, the Report was presented to the public at a gathering in Dublin Castle on 2nd May, 1984. Addressing the Forum John Hume stated “This is an extraordinay day in the history of our island. It marks the culmination of a unique enterprise. I believe it is no exaggeration to say that the terms of the debate on the future of this island have been transformed, things cannot be the same again.”