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16 Lives
James Connolly
James Connolly (1868-1916) was one of the leaders in Ireland's quest for freedom from British rule in 1916. Written in an entertaining, educational and assessible style, this biography is an accurate and well-researched portrayal of the man.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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379 people want to read
About the author
Lorcan Collins
8 books15 followersLorcan Collins co-author, with Conor Kostick, of The Easter Rising: A Guide to Dublin in 1916; founder of the 1916 Walking Tour of Dublin; lectures on Easter 1916 in the United States, and a regular contributor to radio, television and historical journals. 16 Lives is Lorcan’s concept and he is the author of the first book in the series, a biography of James Connolly.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 17, 2019
2016 marks the centenary of Dublin's Easter Rising, and the revered sixteen “martyrs” of that failed rebellion—all stupidly executed by the war-harried Brits—are already receiving a renewed attention. The Irish have always loved their martyrs, and the firing squad which blessed these men with iconic stature also helped transform their once despised revolt into a grand tale of blood sacrifice which inspired the Irish war for freedom.
I decided to begin my reader's commemoration of “The Rising” with a book about my favorite “martyr,” the gifted and complex James Connolly. A dedicated union organizer and persuasive lecturer, a socialist propagandist and nationalist agitator, Connolly still found time to be a devoted husband and father. Unlike the militant atheist socialists of the period who not only championed both “free love” and internationalism but also routinely condemned religious belief, the traditional family, and the nationalist impulse, Connolly correctly saw that, if socialism were ever to gain a foothold in a country like Ireland, it must at least respect—if not revere—religious devotion, the individual family, and the nationalist cause.
I chose this particular book for two reasons. First, because I am familiar with its author Lorcan Collins as a Dublin 1916 tour organizer and guide, and was very impressed by his extensive knowledge and entertaining manner when I visited Ireland ten years ago. Second, I was curious about the “16 Lives” series of biographies which he has co-edited for O'Brien Press, and thought this volume of his was a good place to start.
Collins' book is so good that I just may read the other fifteen books in the series. He writes with clarity and intelligence, and has the good sense to emphasize the human aspects of Connolly's story and not get us lost in the murky swamp of his socialist disputes.
Collins is also modest enough--and wise enough--to let Connolly speak for himself. In spite of his upbringing in the poverty of Edinburgh (his father carted human waste out of its narrow crowded streets), Connolly still managed to learn to write clear, vigorous, analytical prose. It is a delight to see much of it quoted here, to hear the authentic voice of the man. Collins also includes substantial passages from the memoirs of Connolly's daughter Nora. Her fond memories of her father, simple and moving, are a great gift to the reader.
Hmm... something just occurred to me. I finished this book late in September. If I continue to read one of the “16 Lives” each month, I can finish the whole series—precisely—by December of 2016!
January 27, 2014
A great biography. James Connolly was a prominent figure in Ireland, best known for his role in the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin --one of the prominent events in the history of Ireland's long struggle for political and economic autonomy from the British Empire. James was also a leader of the Socialism movement in the early 1900s and strong advocate for the rights of the laborer. This is a fast reading and informative biography that does many things well. The book contains many passages from James' own prolific writing s and other primary accounts about the major events in James' life and times. The book is a fast read but provides a comprehensive treatment of his life (I had no idea he lives in Newark!). The book also provides a great study into the problems at the beginning of last century that continue to haunt us today including the struggles of the working poor and the battle for independent self goverance. This is a good read for anyone interested in learning more about Irish history, the labor and socialist movements of the early 2pth century or one of my distant relatives.
January 19, 2024
A meticulously-researched, informative, and plainly-written biography of James Connolly. The language is simple and concise. Primary sources are referenced and quoted extensively, with excellent independent research conducted by the author. The book is written in a very accessible manner. However, it is very much a "historian's biography", in the sense that there is little overarching narrative, and sometimes lengthy passages are dedicated to listing out "who's who", noting very minor details (like street addresses, etc.), and establishing very detailed historical context. Few words are allocated to analysis or extrapolation. Personally, I found this approach appealing and thought it left me plenty of room to make up my own opinions about Connolly, the ICA, and so on. However, it's really not a biography that I could recommend to someone with only a casual interest in the subject or who wants to read a good story. This is a book for someone who is serious about learning some Irish history.
I picked this book up at a shop in Dublin some 8 years ago and never got around to reading it until now. I am sorry I waited so long.
I picked this book up at a shop in Dublin some 8 years ago and never got around to reading it until now. I am sorry I waited so long.
February 16, 2024
Fantastic book, reminds me of Sands’ biography by Dennis O’Hearn.
I wish it covered the Rising more closely, but otherwise great.
I wish it covered the Rising more closely, but otherwise great.
September 12, 2022
Comrades, read this book. A brilliant recount of the life of Irelands greatest son.
January 31, 2023
Cracking read. Read it last year. Lorcan is great, listen to his podcast and go on his Dublin tour 👍🏼
September 30, 2023
A family man, a true revolutionary, and an overlooked inspiration who’s ideals were declined by contemporaries and the founders of the free state that followed.
This is the tale of a brave man who fought tooth and nail to provide a living for his family, stand up for the little man, and go toe-to-toe with the British Empire. His writings remain relevant today, his extraordinary acts of defiance are the stuff of fairytale. One cannot help but wonder, what good this man could’ve brought to the nation that lay at the end of the path he helped to pave.
This is the tale of a brave man who fought tooth and nail to provide a living for his family, stand up for the little man, and go toe-to-toe with the British Empire. His writings remain relevant today, his extraordinary acts of defiance are the stuff of fairytale. One cannot help but wonder, what good this man could’ve brought to the nation that lay at the end of the path he helped to pave.
May 16, 2020
A well-rounded, human portrait of the legendary figure. Collins balances Connolly’s ideology and fiery writings with his family’s hardship, his personal vulnerability and his sense of humor. It depicts the fascinating but often unglamorous life he led in a way that doesn’t at all diminish the grand revolutionary spirit of 1916 and the socialist movement.
September 1, 2018
Swift, accessible yet meticulously researched biography of a major figure in Irish 20th century history, concentrating in the main on Connolly's efforts as a radical socialist and trade union organiser, wisely stopping just short of speaking of his involvement in the Easter Rising in hagiographic terms.
December 2, 2023
Seo é an ochtú leabhar den sraith '16 Lives' a léigh mé go dtí seo. Táim in ann a rá anois go bhfuil tuiscint níos fearr agam ar shaol James Connolly (Séamas Ó Conghaile) tar éis dom bheith ag léamh an leabhar beathaisnéis seo.
Rud amháin a chuir isteach orm agus mise ag léamh an leabhar ná bhí insint thapaidh tughta ar an am a chaith sé san Éirí Amach na Cásca.
Rud amháin a chuir isteach orm agus mise ag léamh an leabhar ná bhí insint thapaidh tughta ar an am a chaith sé san Éirí Amach na Cásca.
May 10, 2021
Great research done into the life of a man who was undoubtedly one of the greatest Irishman to ever exist. Good on pointing out the mistakes of other biographers of James Connolly. A bit iffy on the ending for sure but definitely the best introduction into the life of this man.
July 2, 2022
Great biography of James Connolly, one of the greatest Irishmen who ever lived. It shows the difficulties James and his family had to endure in his life long fight to bring socialism to Ireland and it shows his rise to become one of the most important figures during the 1916 Easter Rising.
March 24, 2018
Very interesting and accessible account of a fascinating character, interesting to learn about his time spent in Scotland and America.
June 9, 2019
4.5 Stars. Enlightening biography of an true Irish martyr
January 19, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Getting to know the man, flaws and all, while learning the socio political context of 1916.
Getting to know the man, flaws and all, while learning the socio political context of 1916.
July 21, 2022
Thorough insight into Edinburgh's favourite son. Put a great emphasis on his personality as well as his politics
January 24, 2024
I knew very little about James Connolly before reading this book & have since gained a huge respect for the man & everything he sacrificed - a fantastic journey through a Patriots life
July 30, 2023
The best written of the series I have read so far.
A fantastic synopsis of the life and politics of James Connolly.
The book is not overly heavy in details, and keeps its purpose specific to Connolly’s life.
I would liked to have read more about the actual rising, and Connolly’s role therein, as only one chapter out of 16 + the conclusion focuses on it. Given how crucial the event was in Connolly’s life I expected there to be a greater focus.
Aside from that, it was a brisk read, never getting bogged down. Possibly more of an introduction then a comprehensive analysis of his life, but one I throughout enjoyed reading.
A fantastic synopsis of the life and politics of James Connolly.
The book is not overly heavy in details, and keeps its purpose specific to Connolly’s life.
I would liked to have read more about the actual rising, and Connolly’s role therein, as only one chapter out of 16 + the conclusion focuses on it. Given how crucial the event was in Connolly’s life I expected there to be a greater focus.
Aside from that, it was a brisk read, never getting bogged down. Possibly more of an introduction then a comprehensive analysis of his life, but one I throughout enjoyed reading.
May 1, 2016
James Connolly was a respected Irish labor leader, writer, poet, and speaker, able to rouse his listeners to aid in the struggle to bring better wages and working conditions to the Irish laborer. Born into poverty, Connolly was forced to leave school at the age of 11 and enter the work force to help provide for his family. At the age of 14 he falsified his name and age to join the British army, leaving a few months before the end of a seven year stint. It was at this time that he went back to the labor force, taking whatever jobs he could find, since he was an unskilled laborer. Shortly thereafter, Connolly married Lillie Reynolds and began a family that was to include 7 children. With a supportive wife, who believed in her husband's ideals, Connolly educated himself by spending many hours reading in the public library. With such a meager beginning, it is amazing that Connolly was able to rise to such prominence and become a labor organizer, speaking throughout Ireland and the United States to gain money and support for the labor movement. He was noticed by other Irish nationalists through his speeches and articles in weekly publications, so it was only natural that he would become a leader in the 1916 Easter Rising.
Lorcan Collins tells Connolly's story in an engaging and very readable style that contains many exerpts from his letters, articles, and speeches. Through these and many poignant tales, we get to know the person of James Connolly and his strengths and ideals. One such tale is of Connolly finally getting a few days work on a drainage project for which he did not have the proper attire. Trying to repair his shoes that had two gaping holes, Connolly only succeeded in ruining them. His daughter recalls the story of her mother saying, "Look James, those slippers you have on have good strong soles, and the top comes right up to your trousers. If they could be tied on...you could do with them for a day...we could buy a second-hand pair tomorrow. We'll be able to do that now that you have got work." Throughout his life, Connolly was always struggling to provide for his family while working in the labor movement, since many monetary promises from the various labor groups often fell through. Still, he was a loving father and husband, and his death after the Rising brought much grief to his family.
James Connolly's story is an example of a brave man, able to work through daunting conditions, often starving himself, but still remaining true to his wishes for a better and free Ireland. Today his works are widely read in Ireland and there are statues commemorating his sacrifices for Ireland and the laborer. I knew brief facts about Connolly from the Easter Rising and other books in the 16 Lives series. I have read four books in this series and highly recommend them. Written by different authors, they are presented in different styles. They all contain photos of the men and events of their times, an added bonus to their biographies. I commend Lorcan Collins on his factual and moving presentation which is a wonderful addition to the legacy of James Connolly.
Lorcan Collins tells Connolly's story in an engaging and very readable style that contains many exerpts from his letters, articles, and speeches. Through these and many poignant tales, we get to know the person of James Connolly and his strengths and ideals. One such tale is of Connolly finally getting a few days work on a drainage project for which he did not have the proper attire. Trying to repair his shoes that had two gaping holes, Connolly only succeeded in ruining them. His daughter recalls the story of her mother saying, "Look James, those slippers you have on have good strong soles, and the top comes right up to your trousers. If they could be tied on...you could do with them for a day...we could buy a second-hand pair tomorrow. We'll be able to do that now that you have got work." Throughout his life, Connolly was always struggling to provide for his family while working in the labor movement, since many monetary promises from the various labor groups often fell through. Still, he was a loving father and husband, and his death after the Rising brought much grief to his family.
James Connolly's story is an example of a brave man, able to work through daunting conditions, often starving himself, but still remaining true to his wishes for a better and free Ireland. Today his works are widely read in Ireland and there are statues commemorating his sacrifices for Ireland and the laborer. I knew brief facts about Connolly from the Easter Rising and other books in the 16 Lives series. I have read four books in this series and highly recommend them. Written by different authors, they are presented in different styles. They all contain photos of the men and events of their times, an added bonus to their biographies. I commend Lorcan Collins on his factual and moving presentation which is a wonderful addition to the legacy of James Connolly.
June 9, 2016
An interesting biography of the Irish socialist leader who was executed by the British government following the Easter Rising in 1916. The book follows Connolly from birth to his untimely end at the end of a firing squad, strapped to a chair because he was too injured to stand. It is not a hagiography but seeks to put the pieces together of an extremely active life which started in Edinburgh and took Connolly to Ireland and the United States. Outlined is Connolly's significant and often tumultuous involvement in trade union activism and socialist parties in Ireland and the US. Interestingly, he grew into leadership rather than being a born orator and had difficult relationships with some of the other socialist and labour leaders in both Ireland and the US.
The book also provides an indication of the sacrifices made by Connolly's wife and children to support his political activities. You get a sense of the financial and psychological hardship they went through as Connolly travelled far and wide on lecture circuits, scraping together income.
The author, Lorcan Collins, ultimately, seems supportive of Connolly's role in the Rising where others have questioned the timing and Connolly's failure to put forward a separate socialist agenda in the proclamation of independence.
This is a well researched book that concentrates as much on Connolly's formative years in the trade union and socialist movement as the rising that he helped to lead.
The book also provides an indication of the sacrifices made by Connolly's wife and children to support his political activities. You get a sense of the financial and psychological hardship they went through as Connolly travelled far and wide on lecture circuits, scraping together income.
The author, Lorcan Collins, ultimately, seems supportive of Connolly's role in the Rising where others have questioned the timing and Connolly's failure to put forward a separate socialist agenda in the proclamation of independence.
This is a well researched book that concentrates as much on Connolly's formative years in the trade union and socialist movement as the rising that he helped to lead.
April 5, 2016
(around the year in 52 books #28 a biography, autobiography or memoir)
Today was the perfect day to read the life of James Connolly - Easter Sunday 2016, 100 years after he helped to lead the Easter 1916 Rising which was a cornerstone of Irish Independence. One of a series of 16 books that look at the lives of the 16 leaders executed after the rising, this biography looked at the events of Connolly's life that brought him to this point. From his birth in Scotland, to his days in the British Army, to his self-education in the importance of socialism in self-determination for the oppressed working classes, to his love for Lilly Reynolds and his lifetime of political activism.
Having grown up with a definite sense of his patriotism, but quiet vague on the details of his life, I'm very happy to have learned more about what motivated the man. This biography is packed with detail and has an informational rather than a literary tone. It was very readable, and I particularly loved the moments where his daughters and friends remembered him. Every inch the statesman, but with the very human problems of making ends meet in the time of Tenement Dublin, Connolly has become a very real person for me.
Today was the perfect day to read the life of James Connolly - Easter Sunday 2016, 100 years after he helped to lead the Easter 1916 Rising which was a cornerstone of Irish Independence. One of a series of 16 books that look at the lives of the 16 leaders executed after the rising, this biography looked at the events of Connolly's life that brought him to this point. From his birth in Scotland, to his days in the British Army, to his self-education in the importance of socialism in self-determination for the oppressed working classes, to his love for Lilly Reynolds and his lifetime of political activism.
Having grown up with a definite sense of his patriotism, but quiet vague on the details of his life, I'm very happy to have learned more about what motivated the man. This biography is packed with detail and has an informational rather than a literary tone. It was very readable, and I particularly loved the moments where his daughters and friends remembered him. Every inch the statesman, but with the very human problems of making ends meet in the time of Tenement Dublin, Connolly has become a very real person for me.
January 5, 2015
This is an awesome series on the masterminds of the 1916 Rising. Also worth reading, Sean MacDiarmada. Next on my list is Roger Casement. I love this series, kudos to Lorcan who is also an incredible tour guide in Dublin. Look him up.
May 1, 2016
An excellent and very readable biography. I look forward to reading others in the series 16 Lives. Next up: Roger Casement by Angus Mitchell.
May 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It really humanised the man in the history books.
May 15, 2015
Fabulous book. Terrific Series. 8 down. 8 to go
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews