James Connolly (1868-1916) became a leading Irish socialist and revolutionary, and was one of the leaders of Ireland's rebellion in 1916. As a youth he had served in the British army in Ireland and, seeing how they treated the local population, became hugely disillusioned with the British Army. He became involved in socialism in Scotland and was the driving force behind the creation of Ireland's trade union movement. He was Commandant of the Dublin Brigade in the Easter Rising and, too injured to stand before the firing squad, was executed tied to a chair.

Written in an entertaining, educational and assessible style, this biography is an accurate and well-researched portrayal of the man behind the uprising. Including the latest archival evidence, James Connolly is part of the Sixteen Lives series which looks at the events, lives and deeds of the sixteen men executed for their role in Ireland's Easter 1916 Rising.

About the Author
Lorcan Collins is founder of the 1916 Walking Tour of Dublin and, with Conor Kostick, wrote The Easter Rising: A Guide to Dublin in 1916. He lectures on Easter 1916 in the United States, and is a regular contributor to radio, television and historical journals. Lorcan conceived the 16 Lives series and wrote the first book in the series, a biography of James Connolly. His other books include 1916: The Rising Handbook and Ireland's War of Independence 1919-21 - The IRA's Guerrilla Campaign. Lorcan is host of the Revolutionary Ireland podcast.

Reviews

a rattling good read

-- Dublin Review of Books

these biographies are invaluable in painting a portrait of the real people behind the names

-- Books Ireland

well-written ... an auspicious start to the new series

-- The Irish Catholic

remarkably fresh and enjoyably written, and very much in an accessible spirit

-- comeheretome

Collins sets a high tone ... well-researched portrayal of the man

-- Northside People

a remarkable series ... gives readers a valuable insight into the men who were executed for their part in the 1916 Rising

-- Northside People

Two new series from Irish publishers are targeted more particularly at the 1916 Rising. The O'Brien Press offers the more structured series, 16 Lives, complete with attractive marketing materials and a high profile launch in the GPO in Dublin

-- Irish Publishing News

an epic new series of books ... O'Brien Press is first off the 1916 centenary mark with 16 Lives ... it is early days but 16 Lives has set the bar for the run into 2016

-- RTE Guide



Book Information
ISBN 9781847171603
Author Lorcan Collins
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint O'Brien Press Ltd
Publisher O'Brien Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 298g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 130mm * 26mm