50 Things You Didn't Know About 1916

by Mick O'Farrell

Even those who know a great deal about the Easter Rising may not know that there were temporary ceasefires in the St. Stephen's Green area, to allow the park attendants to feed the Green's ducks. Few know that the first shots of the rising were actually fired near Portlaoise and not in Dublin or indeed that both sides issued the Rebels for food, the British for handcuffs. 50 Things You Didn't Know About 1916 is a treasure trove of trivia and information that will appeal to the avid student of 1916 and the casual reader. ""This book is filled with stories about incredible brave people in extraordinary times."" Irish American News

Genres: History, Irish Literature, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2009

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

More a bathroom reader- the 50 stories average less than three (small) pages apiece. And while well documented, and still exceedingly thin or incidental for the most part.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

You will need a passing familiarity with the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin to understand the subject matter, and it ends rather abruptly, without any summarizing thoughts. But it's an entertaining look at some of the more interesting, forgotten, and esoteric facts about the rising. Slim, but enjoyable.

[John Somers · Rating 3 out of 5]

11/20.

[Cecelia Hightower]

The 1916 Easter Rising was Ireland's first step on the road to independence. This book features excerpts from two previously unpublished diaries, one written by a civilian and one written by a member of Jacob's factory garrison. It relates how the British Navy shelled the routes into Galway city to disperse rebels, and how Germany shelled England in a half hearted manner to distract the British forces from Ireland, and how the Irish fighting for their independence tried to import arms and ammunition.

There are examples of atrocities on both sides, yet there are examples of temporary cease fires, such as one around St. Stevens Green, by both sides to allow the park-keeper to feed the ducks that lived in the park. Another, excerpt of interest is the issuance of receipts by both sides, the rebels for food and the British for rebels. This rebellion was over in one week, but was a major event in Erie (Ireland) gaining independence for the majority of the Island.

All in all an easy read, but very informative.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting. All the little known facts about the Easter Rising were great. Easy read and yet you still can learn from the history recorded here.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty slight with a few interesting factoids, entertaining enough