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Macdarack · 10-01-2021, 00:07

Hi
I'm looking for a recommendation for a decent book about the big fella.

IAMAMORON · 10-01-2021, 00:08

Coogan's is worth a look.

Despite the spite.

Hellokitty1212 · 10-01-2021, 00:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macdarack

Hi
I'm looking for a recommendation for a decent book about the big fella.

Tim Pat Coogan’s is excellent but “The Path to Freedom” which is technically by himself as it’s his speeches and articles etc is my favourite.

**ancapailldorcha** · 10-01-2021, 00:27

I'd caution you against reading anything by Tim Pat Coogan. I read one of his books once and checked the sources at least some of which turned out to be his other books. He comes across as being quite petty in interviews as well.

You might find this by T. Ryle Dwyer, an actual historian to be a better fit:

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Michael-C...=books&sr=1-21

He also has a book specifically about Collins' squad should you fancy further reading.

**L1011** · 10-01-2021, 00:31

Coogan is Very Very Old and edited FF's house newspaper, beginning over 50 years ago. That has to be borne in mind when reading anything he writes - albeit there are times it doesn't appear obvious.

IAMAMORON · 10-01-2021, 01:34

It would be interesting to see if any young historian picks up his story.

In fairness to Coogan he was entwined with Poolbeg street, that counts. To the victor the spoils. Too often in contemporary interpretation of 100 years ago the lines get drawn on Anti or Pro Treaty. The reality is that they were polarising times and sometimes the truth gets lost in the pride of the story.

I think Coogan was diligent in his writing. It is not fair to chastise his thesis.

Too much is made of the Split in fanatical nationalism at the time. The reality is that they were all a gang of blood thirsty madsers who could have you shot dead in the morning if you crossed them. That is a fact.

Samsonsmasher · 10-01-2021, 12:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macdarack

Hi
I'm looking for a recommendation for a decent book about the big fella.

The Real Mick by Peter Hart is an excellent well researched book.

10-01-2021, 00:07	#1
Macdarack Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 533 Adverts \| Friends	Micheal Collins book Hi I'm looking for a recommendation for a decent book about the big fella.

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10-01-2021, 00:08	#2
IAMAMORON Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Posts: 8,264 Adverts \| Friends	Coogan's is worth a look. Despite the spite.

10-01-2021, 00:27	#4
ancapailldorcha Order! Order! Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 23,549 Adverts \| Friends CMod: Politics, International Politics, After Hours, Social & Fun, Economics, The Gentlemen's Club, ZTest	I'd caution you against reading anything by Tim Pat Coogan. I read one of his books once and checked the sources at least some of which turned out to be his other books. He comes across as being quite petty in interviews as well. You might find this by T. Ryle Dwyer, an actual historian to be a better fit: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Michael-C...=books&sr=1-21 He also has a book specifically about Collins' squad should you fancy further reading.

10-01-2021, 00:31	#5
L1011 Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 50,657 Adverts \| Friends Mod: Accommodation & Property, Aviation & Aircraft, Consumer Issues, Rip Off Ireland, ZTest	Coogan is Very Very Old and edited FF's house newspaper, beginning over 50 years ago. That has to be borne in mind when reading anything he writes - albeit there are times it doesn't appear obvious.

10-01-2021, 01:34	#6
IAMAMORON Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Posts: 8,264 Adverts \| Friends	It would be interesting to see if any young historian picks up his story. In fairness to Coogan he was entwined with Poolbeg street, that counts. To the victor the spoils. Too often in contemporary interpretation of 100 years ago the lines get drawn on Anti or Pro Treaty. The reality is that they were polarising times and sometimes the truth gets lost in the pride of the story. I think Coogan was diligent in his writing. It is not fair to chastise his thesis. Too much is made of the Split in fanatical nationalism at the time. The reality is that they were all a gang of blood thirsty madsers who could have you shot dead in the morning if you crossed them. That is a fact.