Michael Collins and The Making of a New Ireland. Dublin: Phoenix Publishing Co., 1926. First Edition. Two Volumes. Illustrated with 16 Plates. Pp (1) 458, (2) 484. Original olive cloth covers with gilt vignette portrait of Collins on front of each. Cloth to volume one scuffed, with shelf-wear & fading, scattered spotting to text, otherwise a good set.

Inscribed by Piaras Beaslai on the half-title page: ‘To Jim / from Piaras Beaslai/ 23rd November 1926.’

From birth and childhood to his infamous days as Ireland’s leading voice for Independence, Piaras Béaslaí explains Collins’ passion for politics and follows his ascent into the cause for national self-determination. It goes into great detail in describing events that Collins was involved in, and also uses primary sources to support its position.

Piaras Béaslaí fought in the Easter Rising of 1916, and the Irish War of Independence. During the Irish War of Independence, he helped facilitate a mass escape of rebels from jail in Manchester. Later Béaslaí became director of publicity for IRA, and at the 1918 general election he was elected to the First Dáil Éireann as Sinn Féin TD for Kerry East. At the 1921 general election he was returned to the 2nd Dáil as a Sinn Féin Teachta Dála for Kerry-Limerick West. He was re-elected in the 1922 election as a pro-Treaty Sinn Féin candidate.