A Nation Is Born celebrates a formative period in the history of the Irish state: the fifteen years during which we emerged from the rubble of wars and violence and set up as a fledgling country while establishing a diplomatic presence on the world stage.

The photos presented here have been painstakingly hand-colourised by photographer John O'Byrne, infusing energy into this often-overlooked time: the election of the country's first governments; the mammoth Shannon hydroelectric scheme; a stunning Eucharistic Congress; scenes of cottage industry and rural Irish life; and ending with the uncertain rumblings of war in Europe.

With over 150 photographs gathered from archives around the country, accompanied by insightful and accessible commentary by historian Michael B. Barry, A Nation Is Born brings a fresh perspective on our history and our past to life in a compellingly real way.

About the Author

Michael B. Barry is a historian and author of critically acclaimed books, and John O'Byrne is a professional photographer and colouriser. Their first collaboration, The Irish Civil War in Colour, was a bestseller and nominated for Best Irish-Published Book of the Year at the 2022 An Post Irish Book Awards.

Book Information
ISBN 9780717198511
Author Michael B. Barry
Format Hardback
Page Count 280
Imprint Gill Books
Publisher Gill
Weight(grams) 1055g
Dimensions(mm) 220mm * 220mm * 23mm