Product Details
Michael Collins's Intelligence War: The Struggle Between the British and the IRA 1919-1921

Michael Collins's Intelligence War: The Struggle Between the British and the IRA 1919-1921
By Michael T. Foy

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Product Description

Michael Collins is often thought of as Ireland s lost leader: a man born into a revolutionary environment who became a skilled statesman and military leader. Michael Foy s new book looks in depth at Collins s key role in the Anglo Irish War. It is based on primary source which have not been accessed by previous historians.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #338828 in Books
  • Published on: 2008-04-25
  • Format: Illustrated
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 352 pages

Editorial Reviews

About the Author
MICHAEL FOY was head of history at Methodist College Belfast and is co-author of The Easter Rising.

Customer Reviews

An excellent addition 5
The role of Michael Collins in Irish history is pivotal and his creation and control of an effective revolutionary intelligence tool is in my opinion, the intriguing aspect of his career.
The "intelligence war" between Collins and the British between 1919 and 1921 is the stuff of legend, and this book brings its characters to life. The author particularly demonstrates the role of the men who worked for Collins in various ways and who consistently demonstrated loyalty to him. It also shows how Collins was willing to use their talents to suit his agenda and his ruthless methods. Despite (or because of) this, his supporters maintained their personal loyalty and their accounts show this.
In a war headlined by the atrocities committed by the Auxiliaries and the Black & Tans as well as by the republicans, Foy maintains a reasonable balance which is always difficult with such an emotive subject, forever polarised by propaganda and subsequent Irish events.
There is a welcome use of primary sources in what is a serious and intellectual book but those familiar with the author's previous work will know that he has an engaging style that makes the book very readable for the general reader. It certainly is a book that any serious reader or researcher of Irish history will have on the shelf.

Mike McCarthy
Editor, 'The Battle Guide'
Guild of Battlefield Guides