The Ira: From 1916 Onwards

by Brendan O'Brien

New edition of this accessible, clearly-written account of the IRA from its beginnings to today. It covers the origins and history of the organisation, its aims, the political and military thinking which has driven its activities, and the major personalities who have shaped the direction of the movement down through the years. The relationship with the Irish and British governments is examined, as well as the effects of the major bombing campaigns and the 1981 hunger strikes. It also explains the radical shift in thinking which led to the IRA seeking a political way towards the goal of Irish unity rather than pursuing the entrenched 'Brits Out' policy at the point of a gun. The background to the IRA ceasefire, and the many factors which contributed to its ending are looked at, as well as the prospects for a lasting peace in one of the world's most troubled arenas. This is intended as an easy-to-read overview of the IRA and the Northern situation, accessible to both the tourist and the interested general reader. This new edition has been fully updated for 2007.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ireland, Irish Literature

200 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Doug]

Like other reviewers said, this book is thick with names, dates, locations, and facts, but less context to fully understand how and why they all fit together. This is great as a reference tool, but not ideal as a history book. The subject matter is interesting and the book provides a good overview, but it isn't exactly captivating due to the way that it's organized. I did learn a fair few things, though it's sad that this version was published in 2003, before the provisional IRA officially entered a complete ceasefire in 2005. I might see if there's a later version floating around so I can get caught up. This book would have been well served by an extensive index of names and maps.

[Owen Clexton]

A good overview of the history of the IRA and a decent analysis of the way that history unfolded, it’s limited by the time it was written in its knowledge of later aspects of the conflict but that is not its fault.

[Ciaran Mulhair]

Nice overview of the topic for people who have some knowledge of irish history.

[Patrick]

Well as far as getting what I wanted out this book is concerned, mission accomplished. I gained a general understanding of a very convoluted political history. This book lays it all out, but due to the complexity of it, it is hard at times to put it all in prospective. A lot has happened. I only recommend this book for people that are big Irish History/Political buffs or revolutionaries.

[JP]

O'Brien does present facts that aided my understanding of the situation since 1916, though the format of the pocket series seems to leave out any background that would explain fundamental history. For someone who has that context, it seems like a complete listing of the facts. I wouldn't recommend it as an introductory history, nor as good writing.