Death in Dublin

Death in Dublin: Michael Collins and the Irish Revolution is a fascinating biography of Irish revolutionary, soldier and politician who was a leading figure in the early twentieth century Irish struggle for independence, Michael Collins (1890-1922).


Written by famed Irish novelist and short-story writer Frank O'Connor, and first published in 1937, the book covers the period of Collins's life from the Easter Rising in 1916 to his death during the Irish Civil War in 1922. Unlike most conventional biographies of famous leaders, the author, who himself served with the Anti-Treaty faction during the Irish Civil War, establishes a clear goal in portraying Collins's character and human qualities above his major achievements. Through his friendship with Richard Hayes, Frank O'Connor was able to meet and interview many people who had known Collins, in particular Collins' secretary, Joe O'Reilly, who provided invaluable information.


In a novel-length biography, stripped of boring detail, Frank O'Connor brings alive the legendary figure of Michael Collins. He uses the factual material from the official biographies to paint in a background that is strictly accurate and historically correct. Against this background strides the recognisably human, extremely vital and challenging figure of him who was to be prophetically nicknamed "The Big Fellow." This portrait, vigorously limned by the word-painting of which Frank O'Connor is such an acknowledged master, will live long in the reader's memory. Having read it, you will say "Now, I know Collins."