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.



a rattling good read



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



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



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



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



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



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



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