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For the Life of Me
The adventurous autobiography of Robert Briscoe, the Irish Rebel who became the first Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin. First published in 1958, in this remarkable book the Lord Mayor of Dublin recounts his experiences as a young man during the Irish uprisings and later on in helping persecuted Jews escape to Israel, where he also took part in training of guerrilla leaders.
“Robert Briscoe’s FOR THE LIFE OF ME is a wonderful, warm, often humorous, always compassionate autobiography, a tale of many adventures, a history of 20th century Irish politics, and account of Zionism and the founding of Israel, and above all the fascinating story of a complex yet wholly human lovable man and his family.”—Boston Herald
“There are so many unusual factors in this book—elements of courage, devotion, religion—that the colorful former Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin emerges even more picturesque out of the pages of his own book after his story is completed. What makes the Briscoe story all the more valuable is the sense of humor displayed in the frank narrative of this remarkable man.”—Detroit Jewish News
“Mayor Briscoe’s book can be read as an exciting, human story of adventure or as a portrait of a man who always went all-out for his loyalties, or a study in violence and what comes of it. Whatever the reader’s bent, he won’t find a boring line.”—New York Herald Tribune
“FOR THE LIFE OF ME is a book in which a most unusual man tells about his most unusual activities. Rich in thrilling adventure, it is also bright with humor, and warm with the story of a truly happy family life.”—Chicago Tribune
“Robert Briscoe’s FOR THE LIFE OF ME is a wonderful, warm, often humorous, always compassionate autobiography, a tale of many adventures, a history of 20th century Irish politics, and account of Zionism and the founding of Israel, and above all the fascinating story of a complex yet wholly human lovable man and his family.”—Boston Herald
“There are so many unusual factors in this book—elements of courage, devotion, religion—that the colorful former Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin emerges even more picturesque out of the pages of his own book after his story is completed. What makes the Briscoe story all the more valuable is the sense of humor displayed in the frank narrative of this remarkable man.”—Detroit Jewish News
“Mayor Briscoe’s book can be read as an exciting, human story of adventure or as a portrait of a man who always went all-out for his loyalties, or a study in violence and what comes of it. Whatever the reader’s bent, he won’t find a boring line.”—New York Herald Tribune
“FOR THE LIFE OF ME is a book in which a most unusual man tells about his most unusual activities. Rich in thrilling adventure, it is also bright with humor, and warm with the story of a truly happy family life.”—Chicago Tribune
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 6, 2021
Although a tad over-romanticised, this book is perhaps one of the most gripping ‘autobiographies’ I have read in a while.
Packed with emotion and a trademark sense of humour, it captures the very essence of a man of that era. Briscoes personality shines through vividly on each page and he has an incredible ability to not take himself so seriously.
If you have even a slight interest in the politics of the early free state, or the closed door dealings of the IRA, this book is definitely well worth the read.
A Fianna Fáil/anti-treaty bias is to be naturally expected, but if that can be looked past, I do believe it proves to be worthy of anyone’s time.
Packed with emotion and a trademark sense of humour, it captures the very essence of a man of that era. Briscoes personality shines through vividly on each page and he has an incredible ability to not take himself so seriously.
If you have even a slight interest in the politics of the early free state, or the closed door dealings of the IRA, this book is definitely well worth the read.
A Fianna Fáil/anti-treaty bias is to be naturally expected, but if that can be looked past, I do believe it proves to be worthy of anyone’s time.
May 2, 2022
The most incredible memoir of the most remarkable individual who I only heard about through a family connection. To understand twentieth century Irish history - this is the book to read. Briscoe was absolutely a man of passion and honour who loved his dual heritage in equal measure and found himself frequently in the most terrifying predicaments that he recalls with clarity and humour. I absolutely loved this book and developed enormous respect for a relatively unknown hero of modern Ireland who ought to have a more prominent position in everyone’s awareness.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews