Based on extensive archival research this book situates the Irish civil war in the general process of decolonization in the twentieth century, and explains why divisions over the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 proved so formative in the development of the Irish state. Each chapter is devoted to a particular aspect of the war and many new areas are explored. These include the role the doctrine of self-determination played in the Sinn Fein movement, the fate of numerous peace initiatives, the power struggle between de Valera and Liam Lynch within the IRA, and the impact of the civil war on the wider civil society. The last three chapters explore how the conflict has been interpreted by the actors themselves, as well as by historians. Combining perspectives drawn from history and politics, this book will interest not only students of Irish history, but also those interested in the comparative study of civil wars.
Reviews
Review from previous edition ...penetrating analysis ... there is much that is stimulating and perceptive in this book * Michael Hopkinson, History Journal *
The great strength of this book lies in the discussion: old debates are placed in new intellectual contexts, sharpening the conceptual tools at the disposal of the historian. * Matthew Kelly, The English Historical Review *
an important contribution to the literature of the Irish Civil War. [...] the author's emphasis on the way in which antecedent historical forces contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War is both novel and valuable. * Garret FitzGerald, The Irish Times *
Each and every one of these chapters makes a valuable and insightful contribution to the study of the war itself. The book is rigorous and challenging; the analysis is astute and demanding. * Anne Dolan, Reviews in History *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199237654
Author Bill Kissane
Format Paperback
Page Count 278
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 448g
Dimensions(mm) 233mm * 156mm * 17mm