A Path To Freedom

by Michael Collins

This book gives an insight into the mind of General Michael Collins, a revolutionary leader of Ireland. The book's chapters include Advance and Use Our Liberties, Alternative to the Treaty, The Proof of Success, Four Historic Years, Collapse of the Terror, Partition Act's Failure, Why Britain Sought Irish Peace, Distinctive Culture, Building up Ireland, and Freedom within Grasp. Also included are notes by General Michael Collins, 1922.

Genres: History, Ireland, Politics, Nonfiction, Irish Literature, Biography, Military History

90 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

Michael Collins (a.k.a. Mícheál Ó Coileáin) was an Irish politician and soldier who was a leading figure in the struggle for Irish independence in the early 20th century. Collins was an Irish revolutionary leader, politician, Minister for Finance, Director of Information, and Teachta Dála (TD) for Cork South in the First Dáil of 1919, Adjutant General, Director of Intelligence, and Director of Organisation and Arms Procurement for the IRA, President of the Irish Republican Brotherhood from November 1920 until his death, and member of the Irish delegation during the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations. Subsequently, he was both Chairman of the Provisional Government and Commander-in-chief of the National Army. Collins was shot and killed in an ambush in August 1922 during the Irish Civil War.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This thin little book was put out as a prelude to the Hollywood version of "Michael Collins." I was struck by the passion in the pages, and how coherently - and consistently - Collins framed his arguments for a free and independent Ireland. Time and time again, I was shocked to be reminded that he was so, so young when he put pen to paper to create these essays. I'm only sorry I'm such a poor student of Irish history that I certainly missed a lot of important nuances, because Collins clearly knew what he was talking about!

[S. Sigerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vast ocean of words have been lavished on Michael Collins, revolutionary founder of the modern Irish state. Yet relatively few readers are as familiar with Collins' own writings, as they are with books written about him, by others.

In clear and vibrant prose, his penetrating understanding of Ireland's issues, sterling character, noble yet practical ideals, and pragmatic proposals, cut through all the confusion and factionalism of that contentious period.

If I could, I would make this required reading for anyone who wants to know the truth about Collins, his life and times.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Collins’ Pathway to Freedom offers a powerful and thought-provoking insight into the mind of one of Ireland’s most influential figures. The book provides a clear window into what Collins was thinking throughout his tireless struggle to free Ireland from the British Empire. It captures not only his strategic brilliance but also his deep sense of purpose and sacrifice for Ireland’s independence.

While I would have loved to gain a deeper look into Collins’ personal life, I understand that the book is not intended to be a full biography. Instead, it succeeds brilliantly as a reflection of his political and revolutionary vision.

Overall, it’s an inspiring and insightful read that deepens appreciation for the complexity of Ireland’s path to freedom. 5/5.

[Amanda Miao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book was a study in propaganda, I really enjoyed reading something Michael Collins had written and getting a chance to step inside his mind during such an important time in history for Ireland. It was only one perspective, but it taught me a lot. I would like to read De Valera's side too if it is out, just to get a more well-rounded understanding.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's good to find a book that groups together all the opinions and points Michael Collins made in his short life. I don't think it was 'propaganda filled' like some people say, it was his own words and whether you agree or not is nothing to do with the points made. Also interesting to see the notes and unread speeches. Good book well worth the read.

[cindabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The land of Ireland belonged to the people of Ireland and everyone enjoyed land to cultivate. The land was held for the people by the elected chief of the clan in each locality and Ireland was made up of a large number of economically independent units. Collins says that the people of Ireland were united by spiritual forces not military solidarity. It came from sharing the same traditions, honouring the same heroes and inheriting the same literature.

The Irish people had time for leisure for the cultivation for the mind, the study of art, literature and the traditions. They developed character and bodily strength by acquiring skill in military exercise and in the national games.

This was something that Colins felt was necessary for the future of Ireland, he believed in 'fit habitations for healthy minds, the people of Ireland must have healthy bodies’. Collins suggested that this could be achieved by ‘becoming again skilled in our Gaelic games which develop strength, nerve and muscle. They teach us resource, courage and cooperation. These games provide for our civil life those qualities of ingenuity and daring which military training teaches us for the purposes of war.’

Collins argues that England’s method of ‘divide and rule’ set chief against chief which served its purpose in providing the excuse for declaring Irish lands forfeited and confiscated by the English. Plantations by British agents followed. The free people of Ireland became serfs on the lands of their ancestors. The people of Ireland were robbed, exploited and exterminated, as well as being afflicted with poverty from the system of landlordism and taxation which was imposed on them by the English. This tactic of divide and rule was later used to set religion against religion, and Collins says that without British policy and interference Protestant and Catholic would have learned to live side by side in amity and cooperation. This divide and rule tactic was also used to set worker against worker.

The English also imposed their language which Collin’s calls a ‘curse’ as it became the medium for expressing thought. This was aided by the English-speaking national schools which were the only source of education for those still speaking Gaelic. English laws and ideas were also imposed on the people of Ireland and Collins believed that this spiritual subjugation of the Irish was necessary so that they might learn to forget their ‘former national and economic freedom and acquiesce and grow passive in... [their] servitude’. This servitude included providing England with an abundance of food and providing men to become soldiers, which for over a hundred years had fought in every British war.

Ireland itself had, however been disarmed after the Treaty of Limerick.

Collin’s vision for the future was that land must be freely available to everyone and water power should be developed to provide energy to industry and homes. Collins said ‘We must not have destitution of poverty at one end and at the other an excess of riches in the possession of a few individuals, beyond which they can spend with satisfaction and justification’. ‘Millionaires can spend their surplus wealth bestowing libraries broadcast upon the world. But who will say that the benefits accruing compare with those arising from a condition of things in which people themselves everywhere... were prosperous enough to buy their own books and to put together their own local libraries in which they could take a personal interest and acquire knowledge in proportion to their interest.’

[Elliot Robson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into the mindset of one of the founding fathers of the modern Irish state.

The overwhelming feeling from this collection of his notes is one of sadness. Collins had a great hope for Ireland. That the prosperous future of the republic would lead to an eroding of divisions between Catholics and Protestants. He claims it is “not a case of ‘will they’, but ‘how soon will they’” on the issues of the North-East joining the republic.

Collins was not someone devoted to a particular economic system but there are glimpses of his thought here. He identifies capitalism as a tool used by Britain to create divisions in Irish society. He talks about how capitalism creates scarcity so the Protestant workman is fearful of the Catholic workman gaining too much. This diagnosis would not be out of place in Marxist thought yet Collins also disavows state socialism in favour of co-operatives. Had he lived longer. It would have been interesting to see if the Irish economy would have developed on very different lines.

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think you probably have to have Irish heritage to really understand this book. I merely married an Irish man but have had a keen interest in Irish history for the past 40 years.

This book explains Collins own thoughts about the treaty with the UK that eventually led to true Irish independence. His acceptance of the treaty (which he truly believed was a first step) unfortunately led to civil war, dividing families and politicians.

All I really know is that you were either pro Collins or pro De Valera and the name "Dev" was only mentioned in conjunction with spit hitting the floor by my husband's family.

Whichever way you thought however there is no denying that Collins was a huge influence on Irish politics and the push that led to independence. A fascinating read from the Big Fella himself. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Ireland, its history and the struggle for independence.

[Brett Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard not to draw parallels between Ireland's struggle for independence of culture to similar acts of oppression today. Collins outlines how the British have put the island down for decades and creates a profound message of hope for the future for an Irish Ireland. His arguments are mostly sound, based on past years of oppression and the suppression of Gaelic culture. Although he strictly opposes everything that the British do - noting that his stance on a Republic for Ireland is based purely on being antithetical to England's monarchy (interesting to note that he revels in the Gaelic history of democracy but doesn't reference that) - that's some real revolutionary hater spirit. While he died young, his impact on the nation that eventually gained freedom could not be outmatched.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student of Irish history and a descendent of Irish immigrants,I've been following Ireland for along time.
Michael Collins,has always been one of heroes of modern day Ireland. Reading his articles and speeches,he's still relevant today,over 75 years since his assassination.
Since I never heard "Mick" speak,when reading this book,I could close my eyes and hear today's Sinn Fein leader,Gerry Adams,speaking the same words.

My only problem with the book,is that the editors,did not not which were speeches and which were articles. But since was originally published in 1922,the people of Ireland,knew the difference.

[Tess Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting collection of his speeches and essays. I appreciated the insight into the head of this larger-than-life historical figure. His ideals are certainly that- ideals. These are the thoughts of a dreamer for sure, but I genuinely believe his heart was in the right place. I also took most of it with a grain or two of salt- since it’s clearly propaganda. But again, an interesting piece of Irish history.

[Alex Woolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting political memoirs/diaries you will find. Michael Collins really was a genius, which comes across in his writing. It's unfathomable that he died at the age of 31! You can feel his pain and sorrow about the generational damage caused to Ireland by the British invasion, and his passionate plans for a prosperous and free Ireland really do make you wonder what he might have achieved had he lived - and what Ireland might have looked like today.

[Adriana Moura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little work is nothing but a collection of articles, yet I was astonished with the coherence amongst them. In them, behind all the propaganda value of the writings, Collins shows a consistent view of what he believed Ireland should be, in words that sometimes tells to the present-day people - sometimes even to those who are not Irish. I was positively surprised.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Collins book on the liberation of Ireland from British occupation.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of the writings of Collins himself.

[Heather Lubeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh that Éire might one day be completely free.

[Zita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit confusing and repetitive at times but very interesting.

[Charlene Mathe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief book of writings and speeches made by Michael Collins in defense of the Irish independence movement. His arguments make one wonder why Britain did not sponsor their independence as a U.K. confederate similar to Canada or Australia. Maybe things would have been different had not World War I been so brutal. The Irish uprisings also coincided with the movement for a Jewish state in what became the British Mandate. The British Foreign Office seemed to do a poor job of managing these conflicts, and the outcomes of British foreign policy in this period could hardly have been more disappointing! Reading this book showed me how little I know of modern Irish history!

[aldo zirsov · Rating 3 out of 5]

pendamping nonton film Michael Collins, tentang IRA dan Irlandia Utara....