James Connolly (1868-1916) became a leading Irish socialist and revolutionary, and was one of the leaders of Ireland's rebellion in 1916. As a youth he had served in the British army in Ireland and, seeing how they treated the local population, became hugely disillusioned with the British Army. He became involved in socialism in Scotland and was the driving force behind the creation of Ireland’s trade union movement. He was Commandant of the Dublin Brigade in the Easter Rising and, too injured to stand before the firing squad, was executed tied to a chair.
Written in an entertaining, educational and assessible style, this biography is an accurate and well-researched portrayal of the man behind the uprising. Including the latest archival evidence, James Connolly is part of the Sixteen Lives series which looks at the events, lives and deeds of the sixteen men executed for their role in Ireland’s Easter 1916 Rising.
Lorcan Collins co-author, with Conor Kostick, of The Easter Rising: A Guide to Dublin in 1916; founder of the 1916 Walking Tour of Dublin; lectures on Easter 1916 in the United States, and a regular contributor to radio, television and historical journals. 16 Lives is Lorcan’s concept and he is the author of the first book in the series, a biography of James Connolly.
a rattling good read
Dublin Review of Books
these biographies are invaluable in painting a portrait of the real people behind the names
Books Ireland
well-written ... an auspicious start to the new series
The Irish Catholic
remarkably fresh and enjoyably written, and very much in an accessible spirit
comeheretome
Collins sets a high tone ... well-researched portrayal of the man
Northside People
a remarkable series ... gives readers a valuable insight into the men who were executed for their part in the 1916 Rising
Northside People
Two new series from Irish publishers are targeted more particularly at the 1916 Rising. The O’Brien Press offers the more structured series, 16 Lives, complete with attractive marketing materials and a high profile launch in the GPO in Dublin
Irish Publishing News
an epic new series of books ... O’Brien Press is first off the 1916 centenary mark with 16 Lives ... it is early days but 16 Lives has set the bar for the run into 2016
RTE Guide
Reader Reviews
Having read Lorcan Collins' book, I am astounded at its contents. Coming from a very Nationalist family, I firmly believed that I was well versed in Irish history, but Lorcan's book has opened my eyes. How Connolly played such a huge part in the rising w
Gearoid O'Mathuna on 18th April 2012
The Author Speaks
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Lorcan Collins, Series Editor & author, gives his perspective…
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16Lives Co-Editor Lorcan Collins talks about reaching the halfway point in this groundbreaking series.
