Michael Collins

by Rex Taylor

Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Adriana Moura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably the second worst biography of Collins I've ever read - and I've read quite a few. Part of the flaws of the text may be attributed to the fact that Taylor was an Englishman; and while it is not disqualifying in itself (Margery Forrest, who wrote a superb book on Collins, is an Australian), it affects this work because the author is unable to relate with an Irish point of view, which damage some of his conclusions.
The work is too superficial in dealing with Collins's important work during the War of Independence, deals very little with his personality, and focuses on the Treaty negotiations without seeming to really understand what was at stake for the Irish team. Worse: he focuses his analysis on the alleged letters written by Collins to "John O'Kane". But there are several controversies about the authenticity of such letters.
Part of my day job involves detecting plagiarism. A difficult yet effective way to do it is to recognise writing styles. Collins had a way of writing that was direct, to the point, sometimes dry. He wasn't good at showing feelings in words, even to his fiancée. While some of the letters (and all the journal entries) fit in that style, it is very clear that most of them part from it. I can't trust those letters, and that makes me unable to trust what Taylor deduces.

[S. Sigerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex Taylor's 1958 biography was a milestone in the study of Michael Collin's life. An authoritative work, drawn on by all subsequent biographers. Includes reprints important documents of the period.