Mick

Few leaders in history have been as mythologized as Michael Collins. Before his death at 31 he had fought in the Easter Rising organized the IRA and out-spied British intelligence negotiated the Anglo-Irish Treaty and run the first independent government in Ireland. Peter Hart's groundbreaking biography restores humanity to this mythical figure. Drawing on previously unknown sources delving into Collins's pre-revolutionary past and assessing the methods--and the costs--of his rise to power <i>Mick</i> reveals a man of often ruthless ambition more politician than soldier whose friendships went no farther than his interests. A work as thrilling as it is authoritative.