Mick: The Real Michael Collins Book

Those interested in a purely stoical and factual approach to the subject of Michael Collins' legacy in the IRB/IRA are strongly cautioned to read the introduction to this book in the store before purchasing it.

What is evident from the very outset is that the author, Peter Hart, seeks to discount on some levels the lasting effect of Collins and his work on the Irish republican movement. While his intentions are at first objective glance, not entirely pernicious, the constant injection of his opinion and perspective eventually eclipses the narrative of Collins' life, and the book stagnates into an almost adolescent frustration with the figure's mythical status.

What's good here is the sober approach to an oft-canonized historical figure. What's bad here is that it always floats just above reveling in derision of him. Either way, this is by no means a balanced and unbiased portrait of the Collins. It is as slanted as the numerous works that deify him, and clearly written in a reactionary attitude towards such pre-existing works. (The introduction sees fit to detail several biographies the author finds wanting in just this exact manner.)

On its own merits, it is an exciting narrative if you can get around the author's clearly antagonistic voice. The latter half of the story detailing the signing of the Anglo-Irish treaty is especially compelling, and redeems the greater part of the book. However, I purchased this book for education on the man and his tactics - the portrait of the former clearly had ulterior interests and the portrait of the latter was omitted almost entirely.