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Michael Collins and the Making of the Irish State
Michael Collins was one of the important leaders of his age in Irish history. His contribution to the founding of the Irish state was immense even by the standards of a talented generation which included politicians of the calibre of Eamon de Valera, Arthur Griffith, Wiliam T. Cosgrave, Richard Mulcahy, Kevin O'Higgins, Patrick McGilligan, Harry Boland, Sean Lemass, Frank Aiken and Sean MacEntee.
Collins has generally been portrayed in writing and film as a revolutionary guerilla leader, a military tactician and a figure of great personal charm, courage and ingenuity. This collection of essays challenges that over-simplified view. It is a professional evaluation of Michael Collins and his contribution to the making of the Irish state, which brings to light his multifaceted and complex character. With contributions from many of the leading historians working in the field, and written in an accessible style, the essays make full use of archival material and provide new findings and insights into the life and times of Michael Collins.
The contributions examine COllins as Minister of Finance, his role in intelligence, his policy towards the north, his career as Commander-in-Chief, the origins of the Civil War, his relationship with De Valera, and how academics view his place in Irish history.
The collection also included two personal memoirs by Fr Gearoid O'Sullivan and Margot Gearty, nephew and niece of Kitty Kiernan, on Collins and the Kiernans of Granard, County Longford. Both shed new light on Kitty and her remarkable sisters. These essays are an important contribution to an understanding of twentieth-century Ireland.
Collins has generally been portrayed in writing and film as a revolutionary guerilla leader, a military tactician and a figure of great personal charm, courage and ingenuity. This collection of essays challenges that over-simplified view. It is a professional evaluation of Michael Collins and his contribution to the making of the Irish state, which brings to light his multifaceted and complex character. With contributions from many of the leading historians working in the field, and written in an accessible style, the essays make full use of archival material and provide new findings and insights into the life and times of Michael Collins.
The contributions examine COllins as Minister of Finance, his role in intelligence, his policy towards the north, his career as Commander-in-Chief, the origins of the Civil War, his relationship with De Valera, and how academics view his place in Irish history.
The collection also included two personal memoirs by Fr Gearoid O'Sullivan and Margot Gearty, nephew and niece of Kitty Kiernan, on Collins and the Kiernans of Granard, County Longford. Both shed new light on Kitty and her remarkable sisters. These essays are an important contribution to an understanding of twentieth-century Ireland.
200 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 27, 2016
Not worth owning or even getting from the library. A purchase I regret making. Many of the essays are just hagiography--positive and uncritical accounts of the life of Collins and the lives of many of those around him. A couple of decent ones but buried in dross.
September 27, 2024
Michael Collins and the Making of the Irish State is a compelling exploration of one of the most pivotal figures in Irish history, Michael Collins, and his role in the formation of the Irish Free State. This collection of essays, contributed by various historians and edited by Gabriel Doherty and Dermot Keogh, offers a multi-faceted look at Collins’ life, his leadership, and the complicated legacy he left behind.
The book's strength lies in its broad approach. Rather than being a standard biography, it provides readers with diverse perspectives on Collins, examining his role in the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations, his leadership during the War of Independence, and his controversial decisions during the Irish Civil War. This multiplicity of voices allows for a more nuanced understanding of Collins, showing him as a brilliant strategist and a complex, sometimes contradictory, figure. It strikes a nice balance between admiration for Collins’ achievements and critical analysis of his actions, giving the reader a well-rounded picture of the man and the moment.
The historical analysis is rigorous yet accessible, making this book a good choice for both scholars and general readers interested in Irish history. The essays dive deep into key events, such as Collins’ covert intelligence operations and his involvement in the establishment of the Irish Free State, providing rich context for his decisions. What’s particularly interesting is the way the contributors situate Collins within the larger historical forces of the time, helping readers see his impact not just on Ireland but also on international diplomacy and revolutionary movements.
That said, the book’s structure, being a collection of essays, can feel a bit fragmented at times. Some essays delve into specific aspects of Collins' life more deeply than others, leaving a slight imbalance in coverage. For example, certain political and military details receive more attention than Collins' personal life or the broader societal changes taking place in Ireland during this period. As a result, readers looking for a more cohesive, narrative-driven account may find it lacks the flow of a traditional biography.
Nevertheless, Michael Collins and the Making of the Irish State provides a valuable and insightful look at one of the most crucial figures in Irish history. The diversity of viewpoints and the depth of scholarship offer a balanced, thoughtful take on Collins’ role in shaping modern Ireland. For anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Irish struggle for independence and the figure at the heart of it, this book is a worthwhile and engaging read.
The book's strength lies in its broad approach. Rather than being a standard biography, it provides readers with diverse perspectives on Collins, examining his role in the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations, his leadership during the War of Independence, and his controversial decisions during the Irish Civil War. This multiplicity of voices allows for a more nuanced understanding of Collins, showing him as a brilliant strategist and a complex, sometimes contradictory, figure. It strikes a nice balance between admiration for Collins’ achievements and critical analysis of his actions, giving the reader a well-rounded picture of the man and the moment.
The historical analysis is rigorous yet accessible, making this book a good choice for both scholars and general readers interested in Irish history. The essays dive deep into key events, such as Collins’ covert intelligence operations and his involvement in the establishment of the Irish Free State, providing rich context for his decisions. What’s particularly interesting is the way the contributors situate Collins within the larger historical forces of the time, helping readers see his impact not just on Ireland but also on international diplomacy and revolutionary movements.
That said, the book’s structure, being a collection of essays, can feel a bit fragmented at times. Some essays delve into specific aspects of Collins' life more deeply than others, leaving a slight imbalance in coverage. For example, certain political and military details receive more attention than Collins' personal life or the broader societal changes taking place in Ireland during this period. As a result, readers looking for a more cohesive, narrative-driven account may find it lacks the flow of a traditional biography.
Nevertheless, Michael Collins and the Making of the Irish State provides a valuable and insightful look at one of the most crucial figures in Irish history. The diversity of viewpoints and the depth of scholarship offer a balanced, thoughtful take on Collins’ role in shaping modern Ireland. For anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Irish struggle for independence and the figure at the heart of it, this book is a worthwhile and engaging read.
April 12, 2012
A wonderful collection of essays that actually covers more than just Michael Collins' involvement in the Revolution and establishing of the Republic. I loved the different perspectives that were used to explain such a turbulent time. Very informative.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews