Michael Collins: The Lost Leader

by Margery Forester

In print continuously for more than thirty years, this book is long established as a reliable and affectionate portrait. First, published in 1971, its great strength is that the author was able to interview Collins' surviving contemporaries and was offered unrestricted access to personal and family material.

Genres: Ireland, History, Nonfiction, Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Liam Judge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb biography of perhaps the greatest of all Irishmen. His ability to bring intellect to then fight for independence, and his unfailing support for unity show him to be a man ahead of his time. I don’t think adults should talk of heroes - too simplistic and essentially for children (that is not a slight on children) but I will always make an exception for Mick Collins. A special person and this biography captures him well.

[Kathryn Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating man! I learned a lot.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book and I can see where later biographies of Michael Collins would favour quoting from this book.

[Phillip Kerrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a character like Michael Collins is taken at such an early age (32) you have to wonder what Ireland's modern history would be if he had lived.
He towered over most men of his time with his intellect and courage and love of life and his country.

[Míceál Ó Gealbháin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding bio of Michael Collins. I've read many and this is one of my favorites. If you are new to the history of the Easter Rising, the War Of Independence and the Irish Civil War this is the book for you. It never bogs down but gives a clear view of the politics and militarism of the period and the impact Michael Collins had on Irish history at the time and today.

[Keith Mckenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book in 1979. More books and a movie followed but the story remains the same. He was, in many ways unfortunate. I gave a loan of the book to a guy called John Murphy from Wishaw, never to see it again.

[Vikas Datta]

A matchless introduction to a truly brave leader...