O’CONNOR, Frank. The Big Fellow. Michael Collins and the Irish Revolution.

Illustrated. London: Corgi Books, 1969. Revised Corgi edition. .pp. 222. Original illustrated paperback wrappers. Condition generally very good. Internally clean and remarkably fresh throughout with light natural toning to paper stock as issued. Covers bright with minor rubbing and light creasing to spine. An attractive and increasingly uncommon Collins title, particularly desirable in such well-preserved original wrappers.

A highly collectible mid-century popular edition of Frank O’Connor’s influential and deeply readable study of Michael Collins and the Irish revolutionary period. First published in 1937, The Big Fellow remains one of the most important literary and biographical interpretations of Collins, combining political history with vivid personal recollection and psychological insight. O’Connor, himself closely connected to many figures of the revolutionary generation, presents Collins not merely as a national icon, but as a complex and charismatic strategist whose presence dominated the formative years of the Irish Free State.

This revised 1969 Corgi edition contains photographic illustrations and was issued during a renewed period of public interest in the revolutionary decade, preceding the major revival in Collins scholarship of the late twentieth century. Paperback editions in collectible condition have become increasingly sought after, particularly those retaining strong original cover artwork evocative of Irish nationalist design of the period.

A desirable addition to any collection of Michael Collins, the Irish Revolution, Cork literary figures, or twentieth-century Irish political history.

[L4 10A]