The Enigma of Arthur Griffith: ‘Father of Us All’

by Colum Kenny

Almost a century after his untimely death in 1922, this lively new assessment looks at the man Michael Collins described as ‘father of us all,’ and reclaims Griffith as the founder of both Sinn Fein and the Irish Free State. Griffith’s role has often been misrepresented. Too radical for Fine Gael, he was not militant enough for opponents of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Kenny argues that efforts to ‘other’ Griffith as ‘un-Irish’ raise uncomfortable questions about Irish identity. Griffith is also shown to have become a scapegoat for Irish anti-Semitism, which he rejected, and his courage in signing the Treaty to end the War of Independence, when Eamon de Valera refused to go to London, is highlighted.

A dedicated nationalist and intellectual, as well as a skilled editor and balladeer, Griffith encouraged women to become involved in the struggle for national independence, and, unusually for his time, was able to distinguish between Oscar Wilde’s private life and his work. His complex relationships with W.B. Yeats and James Joyce are also revealed in significant new ways. The Enigma of Arthur Griffith brings the real Arthur Griffith back into focus for a new generation.

300 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2020

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat of a thematic biography, thus saving the reader the labour of wading through grandparents, parents and the school years, Kenny dives straight into Griffith's career as a journalist as well as his political career, his negotiation of the Treaty (which killed him) and also, most interestingly, with the Dublin that was the background to Griffith's life, including Jewish Dublin and James Joyce. Not terribly well written, alas, but entertaining and informative.

[Patrick Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read, diving deep into the relevant history of a man all too often glossed over in Itish history- particularly in the Irish school system.

[Fionnbharr Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never really knew much about Griffith, and so this was a very useful read; his relationship with Yeats was particularly interesting.