- Hardcover: 480 pages
- Publisher: Hutchinson (4 Oct 1990)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0091741068
- ISBN-13: 978-0091741068
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.8 x 4.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 331,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Michael Collins: Himself: A Michael Collins Biography
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Product Description
Product Description
A biography of Michael Collins, the man who was responsible for the political map of Ireland as it exists today. The author's previous books include "The Definitive History", "Ireland since the Rising" and "Ireland and the Arts".
From the Back Cover
'It's my considered opinion that in the fullness of time, history will record the greatness of Collins and it will be recorded at my expense.' Eamon De Valera
When Michael Collins signed the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921, he remarked to Lord Birkenhead, 'I may have signed my actual death warrant.' And in August 1922, that prophecy came true - Collins was show and killed by a fellow Irishman.
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.
'There have been several other lives of Collins, but none has assembled such wealth of detail.' Independent on Sunday
'The events described in this book can usefully be learned from by those who govern Ireland now.' Financial Times
'A lively and colourful adventure story with a fascinating yet recognisably human, hero.' Dublin Sunday Press
'Enjoyable and valuable.' David Puttnam
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Since his death at the age of just 31, Michael Collins has cast a long shadow in Irish history. Of course, this is partly because of what he did not live to achieve. I remember my own father (who brought me up with tales of Collins and his bicycle, and whose uncle fought with the IRA) asking on his death-bed - "why did we kill the best of our own"?
But as the years pass, it becomes clearer that Collins is remembered - and still loved - for what he did achieve in his short time on earth.
He was the ruthless as the head of military intelligence that undermined British rule in Ireland. Collins felt the sentiment of nationalism as strongly as anyone, but he knew, especially after Easter 1916, that it was not enough for victory.
And this is the essence of Tim Pat Coogan's well-researched and moving book. Collins' greatest achievement was not that he knew how to make war, but that he knew how to make peace. His greatest strength was not his courage in making war (which was great enough), but his courage in making peace. And in that sense, he has left his mark on Irish history and his spirit among the Irish.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this book several years ago wanting to know more about Mick Collins after seeing the Neil Jordan film, Liam Neeson playing the role of The Big Fella.
I would highly recommend this book by Tim Pat Coogan for those who want to know more about MC and the part he played in the Irish battle for Independence.
We will never know how great a statesman he could have been for Ireland as his life was ended much too soon.
De Valera did comment once that in the fullness of time Collins would be remembered for the major part he played in Irish history!Never was a truer word spoken.
I would highly recommend this book by Tim Pat Coogan for those who want to know more about MC and the part he played in the Irish battle for Independence.
We will never know how great a statesman he could have been for Ireland as his life was ended much too soon.
De Valera did comment once that in the fullness of time Collins would be remembered for the major part he played in Irish history!Never was a truer word spoken.
23 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Tim Pat Coogan's book is a triumph of intelligence, research and dedication over the romantic rose tinted blindness of others who have tackled this subject. He presents the man as a whole being not an empty hero on a pedestal. This is a man in his worst and best moments.
Coogan's style of writing is a delight to behold. This is a man who never uses over blown emotion and empty cliche. He absorbs you into the subject.
I have had both the delight and misfortute to read many books on Michael Collins and this is by far the best. It towers head and shoulders above all others. Even Margery Forster's 'Lost Leader' can't capture the man or the era in this honest, direct and evocative manner.
If you enjoy twentifth century history then buy this book. Buy this book if you want the undiluted truth. Most of all buy this book if you want to read a biographical masterpiece.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Briar
This is the story of a psychopathic killer who left a trail of destruction and legacy of hate and violence behind him. Told by a bigoted and severely limited fool.
Published 10 months ago by Briar
An outstanding book on the Irish Revolution
Michael Collins could lay reasonable claim to be both the father of modern guerrilla warfare and one of the principle founders of Irish democracy. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Aidan J. McQuade
The Most Accurate Work on the Subject Available: The Definitive
This book is the Definitive work on Collins. I have something like 12 or 13 books on the man in my bookcase, most of which I have read. Read more
Published on 15 May 2010 by Colm Hagan
This Book Deserves a Place in the Annals of Irish History
Tim Pat Coogan's account of Michael Collins' life is not just a biography ; it is a unique journey through the life and times of a great Irish leader. Read more
Published on 27 April 2009 by A. Byrne
Terroist or Freedom Fighter, Soldier or Politician
Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan is interesting book dealing with one of modern Ireland's legendary figures. Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2008 by HBH
Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan
Taken from a historical viewpoint, Michael Collins, is arguably Ireland's most complex figure. His death at the age of 31 adds to the enigma but far from the version we see in Neil... Read more
Published on 4 Sep 2008 by rory kerr
concise history
This books as much a review of the treaty than a blow by blow account of collin's life
crowded with facts it quickly swamps the reader and a feeling of when does the... Read more
crowded with facts it quickly swamps the reader and a feeling of when does the... Read more
Published on 2 Feb 2008 by masspecguy
The most complete, authoritative work about Michael Collins
A splendid biography about one of the most important leaders in the process of Ireland's independence.
As the other books of T.P. Read more
Published on 16 Nov 2001
Coogans book highlights the complexity of Irish history
Tim Pat Coogan worte in an essay on Collins, "Tragiclly we will never know how Collins may have developed.... Read more
Published on 15 Jun 2001
poor writing hampers important message
The writer is to be commended in that he tackles a difficult understudied area, the life of michael collins. Nevertheless two aspects of this book really got my back up. Read more
Published on 28 Feb 2001
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