BÉASLAÍ, Piaras. Michael Collins and the Making of a New Ireland [LIMITED EDITION]

Two volumes. A new introduction by Brian P. Murphy, O.S.B. With two portraits in full colour by Sir John Lavery, and other illustrations to each volume. Dublin: De Búrca, 2008. Royal octavo. pp. (1) xxxii, 292, (2) vi, 328. Bound by Pascal Flynn in full green morocco, title in gilt along spine; red and green endbands; gold silk marker; gilt medallion portrait of Collins on covers. Edition limited to 125 sets only. In matching slipcase. Fine.This major work on Michael Collins is by one of his closest friends.

Michael Collins (1890-1922), was born at Woodfield, Clonakilty, County Cork, the son of a small farmer. Educated locally, and at the age of sixteen went to London as a clerk in the Post Office. He joined the I.R.B. in London. During Easter Week he was Staff Captain and ADC to James Connolly in the GPO. With The O’Rahilly he led the first party out of the GPO immediately before its surrender. Arrested, imprisoned and released in December 1916, he was for a long time the most wanted man in Ireland but he practically eliminated the British Secret Service with the Bloody Sunday morning operation. Michael Collins and the Making of a New Ireland is the official biography of a great soldier-statesman and the first authentic history of the rebirth of a nation. Written with inner knowledge by an intimate friend and comrade-in-arms who served with Collins on Headquarters Staff and who shared in many of his amazing adventures and hairsbreadth escapes