Michael Collins: A Biography by Tim Pat Coogan (PDF)

Description

When President of the Irish Republic Michael Collins signed the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921, he remarked to Lord Birkenhead, ‘I may have signed my actual death warrant.’ In August 1922 during the Irish Civil War, that prophecy came true – Collins was shot and killed by a fellow Irishman in a shocking political assassination. So ended the life of the greatest of all Irish nationalists, but his visions and legacy lived on. This authorative and comprehensive biography presents the life of a man who became a legend in his own lifetime, whose idealistic vigour and determination were matched only by his political realism and supreme organisational abilities. Coogan’s biography provides a fascinating insight into a great political leader, whilst vividly portraying the political unrest in a divided Ireland, that can help to shape our understanding of Ireland’s recent tumultuous socio-political history.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This is a must read for people who want to know about Michael Collins role in Irish independence. You won’t find much about him anywhere else. In Ireland, he is the forgotten hero, that no one wants to be reminded about. You either back deValera’s version of history or Collin’s admireres when you discuss the “big fellow.” My Irish tour guide (whose father got his position through association with deValera, despised Collins. She wasn’t happy when I put flowers on his grave at Glasnevin Cemetery. Without Collins’ destruction of the spy network at the Castle and his intimidation tactics of the British forces, there would have been no Irish independence in 1923. The “glorification” of the “republicans” who held out against agreeing to the Treaty, and carrying on a Civil War against the majority of the Irish people who were in favor of the Treaty, by deValera and his Sinn Fein supporters, prevented the creation of an Irish Free State along the lines Collins and progressive leaders had hoped it would follow.

⭐This book is a very good, thorough biography of Collins and history of Ireland during an amazing periods. I think, though, I would have preferred beginning with a less detailed account of Michael Collins’s life because I have found myself somewhat confused at points by the many characters, treaties and events included here. It’s a matter, for me at least, of sometimes losing the forest because of the trees. Also, supplementary material would have helped: a glossary of acronyms, a list of characters, an outline of events. My feeling is that the author presupposes the reader already has a strong background of this time in Irish history. I do recommend the book, however, but with qualifications.

⭐This is a well researched book by a fine Irish author. The only problem I had with the book was that events were sometimes not in chronological order and I had to go back to better understand. Through some very duplicitous relationships and constant danger, the Big Fella wanted nothing more than an independent Ireland. He had vision when others didn’t. He did his best, and died a true patriot. It is shameful the treatment his family was given in the years following his death.

⭐An interesting biography of a leading Irish patriot ( his antagonists would label him a terrorist) of the period during the Irish insurrection against Great Britain and the ensuing Irish Civil War. The author’s analysis is colored by his preference for Collins as opposed to DeValera, who lived to lead Ireland during much of the 20th Century. I believe both books should be read together.

⭐Coogan writes clearly about historical figures. We see their heroic qualities and their weaknesses, all realistically laid out.Collins was a giant in Irish history, a gallant fighter, a political and military realist and a devious tactician. He devised guerrilla tactics before Mao and Ho. He negotiated with Churchill and Lloyd George while fighting their superior forces to a standstill. Tragically, he couldn’t control the fire eaters in his own country.Brian R.

⭐A very good detailed view into the man and all the work he got through in the short amount of time he had. The detail is extraordinary and really brings him to life. Sometimes hard to follow but always very informative. Well worth the read for all Irish history lovers.

⭐The rating is not definitive in any way. Its solid and research by Tim is told in horrifying detail. I did not know Dev, had a nervous breakdown in the middle of the rising.But its honestly told, Tim must have spent years on this.An excellent read, Michael Collins was very flawed but charismatic.History buffs take note it is one amazing read.

⭐Modest price, timely delivery, new or like new condition. This gift purchase was for a lovely aerobics instuctor and dear friend, age 40, of Irish ancestry through her grandmother. Tim Pat Coogan is an excellent author of modern Irish history. It is not possible to understand the Irish Republic and the Irish unless you read Mr. Coogan’s objective and carefully written histories.

⭐Whereas you have to commend the authors research and historical accuracy to produce a book that adds greatly to our knowledge of MC, the author doesn’t present the information in a way which captures and fixates the reader. Overall, this is a tough read and at times I had difficulty trying to stay awake every 3 or 4 pages.

⭐Before ordering this book from Amazon ensure your ordering the whole book because I found out it was also released in two parts as a set of Irish literature woohoo though as I was sent part☝️ Bonus!The first part is what I was looking for though to fill in gaps and set things straight after watching the movie and countless documentaries it’s lucky Collins came about at a time he was needed and shameful for the British that he was a product of their occupationI’ll get back and give another two stars after I find volume two

⭐Well worth reading to properly appreciate this patriot

⭐Good book. An enjoyable read. The text is extremely tiny though.

⭐The most well-written and accurate account of Michael Collins that I have came across. I have examined a wealth of writing and opinions on Collins and this piece is by far and away the best. With a plethora of knowledge, Coogan expertly covers the life and death of Collins. As well as covering his life story, Coogan offers his opinion on key stages of both Collins’ life and Irish history, such as the Treaty, which offer an enthralling spin to the narrative. If you want to read about Michael Collins, this is your best bet.

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