Revolution: A Photographic History of Revolutionary Ireland 1913-1923

by Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc

The period from 1913 to 1923 in Ireland's history of rebellion is undoubtedly the most significant. The period takes in the revival of interest in all things Irish around 1913, the heroic Easter Rising of 1916, the bloody War of Independence 1919-1921, and the bitter Civil War of 1922-1923. Here for the first time are images of those episodes, the people, the places, city and country, with insightful commentary describing the context of each photograph. This book gives the reader glimpses of this exciting time in Ireland through contemporary photographs.

Genres: Photography, History, Nonfiction, Ireland, Irish Literature, Politics

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2011

Reviews

[Bill Kerwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is recommended for anyone who has an interest in the Irish fight for independence, the resulting treaty compromise, and the subsequent Irish Civil War. In the wake of the recent centenary, I suspect there will be more than a few.

The book is small but hefty, like a miniature coffee-table book, its glossy paper containing page upon page of excellent photographic reproductions. Each image is accompanied by a substantial paragraph of text that not only allows you to place the photograph in context (and even pointing out on occasion when the picture has been faked) but also--when read sequentially--offers an adequate short history of Ireland's revolutionary decade.

One thing I like about O Ruairc's choice of images is that he refuses to rely on the usual photographs, and almost entirely avoids official portraits. He uses a few staples of the illustrated Irish history (Pearse surrendering; Griffith, de Valera, and Collins enjoying themselves at a hurling match; trench-coated IRA gunman patrolling Grafton street), but he also includes many I have never seen before (the first flag of the Republic flying atop the post office; de Valera, Boyland and Collins at Tom Barry's wedding not long before the treaty blew everything apart; a squad of IRA grenade factory men displaying their work; a close-up of a Free State Rolls Royce armored car.)

The pictures in "Revolution" are well-chosen, the text is informed, and a close study of the book is certain to satisfy--and likely increase--your enthusiasm for Irish revolutionary history.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, great pictures and descriptions.

[Paddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of images by a great author.