What makes people love and die for nations, as well as hate and kill in their name? In this important work, Benedict Anderson focuses a much-needed clear eye on nationalism as cultural artefact, created and transformed through historical processes--a fated and thus pure attachment experienced every day through the connections language forges with a living and dead community.

In selecting the genealogy of "thinking" the nation, Anderson chooses his trajectory well--thankfully reading not only from the social history of Europe, but also from the experiences of its colonies and other states across the globe (the armed conflicts of 1978--79 Indochina provided the immediate impetus for the original 1983 text). It is especially these states which Anderson's later revisions address, with his wise realisation that so-called "official nationalism" in colonised Asia and Africa was not transplanted without intervention from that of the dynastic states of 19th-century Europe. When dealing with such an emotive subject, Anderson thankfully avoids favouring rhetoric over grounded analysis. He thoroughly explains the role of print language in imagining community, particularly with the development of the novel set in a society to which the reader may or may not belong, but can recognise, and the newspaper, which, perhaps replacing morning prayers, is read every day by people who have a sense of their fellow readers' existence.

The power of Imagined Communities ultimately lies in its applied resonances. The force of the argument of an "imagined community" is not only invaluable to sociologists or political economists, but it implicates each of us in compelling notions of identity and belonging whether our imagined community is with a nation or with others who buy, listen to and watch the same cultural products as ourselves. Essential reading for anyone interested in a history of the present. --Fiona Buckland

Badly written though has some good points, 23 Sep 2007
This book though not totally without merit could have been condensed into about two pages of useful information. The author has taken rather selective interpretations of history and in many areas his historical knowledge contains huge gaps. There are a few good points made though the amount of nonsense one has to trawl through to get to these points is enough to make one despair.

An eloquent masterpiece and an all defining reflection, 29 Dec 1999
Without doubt the finest reflection on the origin and spread of nationalism ever written, not only in terms of its informed, imaginative perspective but also in the erudite quality of Anderson's narrative. As an expert on the history of South-East Asia, Anderson brings a valuable perspective to the all too Euro-centric debate on the rise of the nation state and the emotional attachment to it. A must for all who seek to discover the elusive and thusfar ill-defined origins of nationalism.

Badly written though has some good points, 23 Sep 2007
This book though not totally without merit could have been condensed into about two pages of useful information. The author has taken rather selective interpretations of history and in many areas his historical knowledge contains huge gaps. There are a few good points made though the amount of nonsense one has to trawl through to get to these points is enough to make one despair.

An eloquent masterpiece and an all defining reflection, 29 Dec 1999
Without doubt the finest reflection on the origin and spread of nationalism ever written, not only in terms of its informed, imaginative perspective but also in the erudite quality of Anderson's narrative. As an expert on the history of South-East Asia, Anderson brings a valuable perspective to the all too Euro-centric debate on the rise of the nation state and the emotional attachment to it. A must for all who seek to discover the elusive and thusfar ill-defined origins of nationalism.

Standby to emigate!, 28 Apr 2008
Hitchens is always a good, if controversial read. His opinions are well founded and often well researched. This book tells you why UK society has been broken, why it might never recover and who did it. The devastation that has been waged while the UK has slept is truly shattering. I dont always agree with Hitchens and his opinions, but here he is dealing with hard edged fact. Fact that will enrage you and by the end of book will make you wonder what you have to do to change the social re engineering that the UK has suffered at the hands of the do gooders who have not always fully understood the ramifications of their handiwork. Hitchens covers everything from the Church of England to Law. Hitchens will admit that this book is out of date by 10 years as Blair was just coming to power as he closes the book. We all know what Blair has done to England since then. The vacuum created allows a much worse enemy to creep into our society. For American readers this book is s dire warning of what they must fight in their own society. Time to emigrate!

Badly written though has some good points, 23 Sep 2007
This book though not totally without merit could have been condensed into about two pages of useful information. The author has taken rather selective interpretations of history and in many areas his historical knowledge contains huge gaps. There are a few good points made though the amount of nonsense one has to trawl through to get to these points is enough to make one despair.

An eloquent masterpiece and an all defining reflection, 29 Dec 1999
Without doubt the finest reflection on the origin and spread of nationalism ever written, not only in terms of its informed, imaginative perspective but also in the erudite quality of Anderson's narrative. As an expert on the history of South-East Asia, Anderson brings a valuable perspective to the all too Euro-centric debate on the rise of the nation state and the emotional attachment to it. A must for all who seek to discover the elusive and thusfar ill-defined origins of nationalism.

Standby to emigate!, 28 Apr 2008
Hitchens is always a good, if controversial read. His opinions are well founded and often well researched. This book tells you why UK society has been broken, why it might never recover and who did it. The devastation that has been waged while the UK has slept is truly shattering. I dont always agree with Hitchens and his opinions, but here he is dealing with hard edged fact. Fact that will enrage you and by the end of book will make you wonder what you have to do to change the social re engineering that the UK has suffered at the hands of the do gooders who have not always fully understood the ramifications of their handiwork. Hitchens covers everything from the Church of England to Law. Hitchens will admit that this book is out of date by 10 years as Blair was just coming to power as he closes the book. We all know what Blair has done to England since then. The vacuum created allows a much worse enemy to creep into our society. For American readers this book is s dire warning of what they must fight in their own society. Time to emigrate!

A Brilliant Book, 08 Sep 2008
This is my forth copy of this book as I gave the others away to friends,some of them living in Ireland. Northern Ireland,has always been a subject,I wanted to know more of,and this book does the trick,in more ways than one. If I could give it twenty stars I would.
I served in N I in the 70s,and over the past 30 years,I have asked myself,what the hell was it all about.-What caused it all to start with. Well this book goes a long way,in giving me the answers.
People may think I am wrong when I say -you cant hold a country responsible for the atrocities that happend on it's own door step.Well you cant,what you need to do is find out what caused it to start with. This book will show,that it all began long before we were even born. Does politics ring a bell?. We no longer blame the American Indians,for things that the Americans do wrong,and after all is said and done,its the Indians,that are the true Americans.-Know where I'm coming from?.-.
Now we have a kind of peace between us,lets look at the subject from an historical point of view,and see if we cant move on.This book will help some to do just that.A brilliant book,that should be on the shelf,of all,who are interested,in the history,of Ireland.

Quite Good, 04 Mar 2008
This is a good book which focuses on events rather than providing analysis. I would have much preferred the book to come from a more human, emotional perspective though.
I didn't feel as though the book was written with the passion that a subject like this deserves. Normally a partisan view of things is not warranted, but a subject like this without a measure of passion ultimately falls flat. It just lacked feeling, and the description of events became monotonous and perfunctory. The fact that Kee is English, not Irish , probably had something to do with this. His sense of reserved detachment never falters but alas this provides little piquancy for the reader.

Most of the books 750 pages are confined to the 19th century and consequently you become lost in all the events that took place in that period of time. Little is written before or after this period. Why just this century in a book that claims to be a whole history of Irish Nationalism? Kee would say that this is the century that everything changed, but still it would have been nice to be partial to things that led up to the events that took place. It would give the reader a more panoramic view of things.

I often felt like I was being placed in the deep end without knowing why things were taking place. It is not just on events that there is little background info but also more needed to be said on the participants of the events.
Given that the book centres on people rebelling due to their grievances, it would have helped me to understand, more about what those grievances were. You would then be able to sympathise with their plight, drawing you more into their story and really willing them on to succeed. But Kee's stand-off approach served to dehumanise the characters and you failed to empathize with them to any great extent.

One other minor grievance is that I would have like a few more maps in addition to a solitary map of Ireland at the front of the book. They would have helped to bring the book alive. Also maybe a few photos of the various main players wouldn't have gone amiss too.

Having said all this I will give Kee his due: this is a very well researched book and the information is all there, it's just how Kee put that information across that wasn't to my particular taste, but it may be to others.

Erin-Go-Bragh, 06 Jul 2004
Kee has written a book that is clear, lucid and interesting over about 750 pages (discounting the appendices). He only just fails to hide the ridicule he feels for the noble sacrifice of 1916, when brave Irish souls fought for their own people, instead of giving their lives for nothing in a capitalist-imperialist war, dying for a country that had oppressed them for over 400 years.
However, if you can ignore that, this book is still a must-have if you wish to learn about a subject that has never been taught in English schools.

A MUST READ BOOK ON IRISH NATIONALISM, 31 Dec 2001
Robert Kee's "The Green Flag" is near 900 page superbly written history of Irish nationalism from its early roots, the Wolf Tone rebellion, the Catholic Emancipation and Repeal of the Union campaign, the early Fenian activity, the rise of the IRA and UVF, the Easter Rising, the Civil War and the Creation of the Irish Free State, the impact of Collins and De Valera, the beginning of the Irish Republic in 1949, and the early beginnings of the troubles in 1969. The detail of the book is awesome and offers insight into the history of Ireland in a totally unbiased way. Its only failing is that it fails to keep up with history. Written in the early 1970s Kee has kept himself to concentrating on an history up to 1922 and the Irish Free State. This misses alot of history since, but surely an updated version of the book with a couple of extra chapters to bring it up to date would make Kee's book the ultimate for any person interested in Irish History. A MUST READ BOOK!!!!

This is the best book on early 20th centry Ireland that I kn, 07 Mar 2001
I read this book while doing an A level disertation on the Easter Rising. It was the most helpful book by far, from a collection of more than 20. Ourselves Alone, the thrid part, was especially good in its explanation of the Aglo Irish war. The detail is there for one to finish with a knowledge of that time in Ireland that lacks any gaps.

Badly written though has some good points, 23 Sep 2007
This book though not totally without merit could have been condensed into about two pages of useful information. The author has taken rather selective interpretations of history and in many areas his historical knowledge contains huge gaps. There are a few good points made though the amount of nonsense one has to trawl through to get to these points is enough to make one despair.

An eloquent masterpiece and an all defining reflection, 29 Dec 1999
Without doubt the finest reflection on the origin and spread of nationalism ever written, not only in terms of its informed, imaginative perspective but also in the erudite quality of Anderson's narrative. As an expert on the history of South-East Asia, Anderson brings a valuable perspective to the all too Euro-centric debate on the rise of the nation state and the emotional attachment to it. A must for all who seek to discover the elusive and thusfar ill-defined origins of nationalism.

Standby to emigate!, 28 Apr 2008
Hitchens is always a good, if controversial read. His opinions are well founded and often well researched. This book tells you why UK society has been broken, why it might never recover and who did it. The devastation that has been waged while the UK has slept is truly shattering. I dont always agree with Hitchens and his opinions, but here he is dealing with hard edged fact. Fact that will enrage you and by the end of book will make you wonder what you have to do to change the social re engineering that the UK has suffered at the hands of the do gooders who have not always fully understood the ramifications of their handiwork. Hitchens covers everything from the Church of England to Law. Hitchens will admit that this book is out of date by 10 years as Blair was just coming to power as he closes the book. We all know what Blair has done to England since then. The vacuum created allows a much worse enemy to creep into our society. For American readers this book is s dire warning of what they must fight in their own society. Time to emigrate!

A Brilliant Book, 08 Sep 2008
This is my forth copy of this book as I gave the others away to friends,some of them living in Ireland. Northern Ireland,has always been a subject,I wanted to know more of,and this book does the trick,in more ways than one. If I could give it twenty stars I would.
I served in N I in the 70s,and over the past 30 years,I have asked myself,what the hell was it all about.-What caused it all to start with. Well this book goes a long way,in giving me the answers.
People may think I am wrong when I say -you cant hold a country responsible for the atrocities that happend on it's own door step.Well you cant,what you need to do is find out what caused it to start with. This book will show,that it all began long before we were even born. Does politics ring a bell?. We no longer blame the American Indians,for things that the Americans do wrong,and after all is said and done,its the Indians,that are the true Americans.-Know where I'm coming from?.-.
Now we have a kind of peace between us,lets look at the subject from an historical point of view,and see if we cant move on.This book will help some to do just that.A brilliant book,that should be on the shelf,of all,who are interested,in the history,of Ireland.

Quite Good, 04 Mar 2008
This is a good book which focuses on events rather than providing analysis. I would have much preferred the book to come from a more human, emotional perspective though.
I didn't feel as though the book was written with the passion that a subject like this deserves. Normally a partisan view of things is not warranted, but a subject like this without a measure of passion ultimately falls flat. It just lacked feeling, and the description of events became monotonous and perfunctory. The fact that Kee is English, not Irish , probably had something to do with this. His sense of reserved detachment never falters but alas this provides little piquancy for the reader.

Most of the books 750 pages are confined to the 19th century and consequently you become lost in all the events that took place in that period of time. Little is written before or after this period. Why just this century in a book that claims to be a whole history of Irish Nationalism? Kee would say that this is the century that everything changed, but still it would have been nice to be partial to things that led up to the events that took place. It would give the reader a more panoramic view of things.

I often felt like I was being placed in the deep end without knowing why things were taking place. It is not just on events that there is little background info but also more needed to be said on the participants of the events.
Given that the book centres on people rebelling due to their grievances, it would have helped me to understand, more about what those grievances were. You would then be able to sympathise with their plight, drawing you more into their story and really willing them on to succeed. But Kee's stand-off approach served to dehumanise the characters and you failed to empathize with them to any great extent.

One other minor grievance is that I would have like a few more maps in addition to a solitary map of Ireland at the front of the book. They would have helped to bring the book alive. Also maybe a few photos of the various main players wouldn't have gone amiss too.

Having said all this I will give Kee his due: this is a very well researched book and the information is all there, it's just how Kee put that information across that wasn't to my particular taste, but it may be to others.

Erin-Go-Bragh, 06 Jul 2004
Kee has written a book that is clear, lucid and interesting over about 750 pages (discounting the appendices). He only just fails to hide the ridicule he feels for the noble sacrifice of 1916, when brave Irish souls fought for their own people, instead of giving their lives for nothing in a capitalist-imperialist war, dying for a country that had oppressed them for over 400 years.
However, if you can ignore that, this book is still a must-have if you wish to learn about a subject that has never been taught in English schools.

A MUST READ BOOK ON IRISH NATIONALISM, 31 Dec 2001
Robert Kee's "The Green Flag" is near 900 page superbly written history of Irish nationalism from its early roots, the Wolf Tone rebellion, the Catholic Emancipation and Repeal of the Union campaign, the early Fenian activity, the rise of the IRA and UVF, the Easter Rising, the Civil War and the Creation of the Irish Free State, the impact of Collins and De Valera, the beginning of the Irish Republic in 1949, and the early beginnings of the troubles in 1969. The detail of the book is awesome and offers insight into the history of Ireland in a totally unbiased way. Its only failing is that it fails to keep up with history. Written in the early 1970s Kee has kept himself to concentrating on an history up to 1922 and the Irish Free State. This misses alot of history since, but surely an updated version of the book with a couple of extra chapters to bring it up to date would make Kee's book the ultimate for any person interested in Irish History. A MUST READ BOOK!!!!

This is the best book on early 20th centry Ireland that I kn, 07 Mar 2001
I read this book while doing an A level disertation on the Easter Rising. It was the most helpful book by far, from a collection of more than 20. Ourselves Alone, the thrid part, was especially good in its explanation of the Aglo Irish war. The detail is there for one to finish with a knowledge of that time in Ireland that lacks any gaps.

Inside the IRA,sort of., 02 Apr 2008
That's the problem with this book.It says it is an iside account,but,in the nature of underground paramilitary groups,the reader is left to take so much on trust.Virtually all the sources are "Republican source","confidential interview" and the like-it's hard to know what to believe.
For all that,the material from 1976 onwards(Gerry Adams becoming political leader,the dual nature of Sinn Fein and the IRA,the politicisation of the IRA,the drive towards negotiations,and finally Sinn Fein's eclipsing others to become the dominant Catholic/nationalist party in Northern Ireland)is highly plausible and well written.His conclusion,that the extremes have now taken over Northern Ireland,and that sectarianism is more established now than it ever was during The Troubles,is hard to argue with.A depressing conclusion to a depressing history.

Badly written though has some good points, 23 Sep 2007
This book though not totally without merit could have been condensed into about two pages of useful information. The author has taken rather selective interpretations of history and in many areas his historical knowledge contains huge gaps. There are a few good points made though the amount of nonsense one has to trawl through to get to these points is enough to make one despair.

An eloquent masterpiece and an all defining reflection, 29 Dec 1999
Without doubt the finest reflection on the origin and spread of nationalism ever written, not only in terms of its informed, imaginative perspective but also in the erudite quality of Anderson's narrative. As an expert on the history of South-East Asia, Anderson brings a valuable perspective to the all too Euro-centric debate on the rise of the nation state and the emotional attachment to it. A must for all who seek to discover the elusive and thusfar ill-defined origins of nationalism.

Standby to emigate!, 28 Apr 2008
Hitchens is always a good, if controversial read. His opinions are well founded and often well researched. This book tells you why UK society has been broken, why it might never recover and who did it. The devastation that has been waged while the UK has slept is truly shattering. I dont always agree with Hitchens and his opinions, but here he is dealing with hard edged fact. Fact that will enrage you and by the end of book will make you wonder what you have to do to change the social re engineering that the UK has suffered at the hands of the do gooders who have not always fully understood the ramifications of their handiwork. Hitchens covers everything from the Church of England to Law. Hitchens will admit that this book is out of date by 10 years as Blair was just coming to power as he closes the book. We all know what Blair has done to England since then. The vacuum created allows a much worse enemy to creep into our society. For American readers this book is s dire warning of what they must fight in their own society. Time to emigrate!

A Brilliant Book, 08 Sep 2008
This is my forth copy of this book as I gave the others away to friends,some of them living in Ireland. Northern Ireland,has always been a subject,I wanted to know more of,and this book does the trick,in more ways than one. If I could give it twenty stars I would.
I served in N I in the 70s,and over the past 30 years,I have asked myself,what the hell was it all about.-What caused it all to start with. Well this book goes a long way,in giving me the answers.
People may think I am wrong when I say -you cant hold a country responsible for the atrocities that happend on it's own door step.Well you cant,what you need to do is find out what caused it to start with. This book will show,that it all began long before we were even born. Does politics ring a bell?. We no longer blame the American Indians,for things that the Americans do wrong,and after all is said and done,its the Indians,that are the true Americans.-Know where I'm coming from?.-.
Now we have a kind of peace between us,lets look at the subject from an historical point of view,and see if we cant move on.This book will help some to do just that.A brilliant book,that should be on the shelf,of all,who are interested,in the history,of Ireland.

Quite Good, 04 Mar 2008
This is a good book which focuses on events rather than providing analysis. I would have much preferred the book to come from a more human, emotional perspective though.
I didn't feel as though the book was written with the passion that a subject like this deserves. Normally a partisan view of things is not warranted, but a subject like this without a measure of passion ultimately falls flat. It just lacked feeling, and the description of events became monotonous and perfunctory. The fact that Kee is English, not Irish , probably had something to do with this. His sense of reserved detachment never falters but alas this provides little piquancy for the reader.

Most of the books 750 pages are confined to the 19th century and consequently you become lost in all the events that took place in that period of time. Little is written before or after this period. Why just this century in a book that claims to be a whole history of Irish Nationalism? Kee would say that this is the century that everything changed, but still it would have been nice to be partial to things that led up to the events that took place. It would give the reader a more panoramic view of things.

I often felt like I was being placed in the deep end without knowing why things were taking place. It is not just on events that there is little background info but also more needed to be said on the participants of the events.
Given that the book centres on people rebelling due to their grievances, it would have helped me to understand, more about what those grievances were. You would then be able to sympathise with their plight, drawing you more into their story and really willing them on to succeed. But Kee's stand-off approach served to dehumanise the characters and you failed to empathize with them to any great extent.

One other minor grievance is that I would have like a few more maps in addition to a solitary map of Ireland at the front of the book. They would have helped to bring the book alive. Also maybe a few photos of the various main players wouldn't have gone amiss too.

Having said all this I will give Kee his due: this is a very well researched book and the information is all there, it's just how Kee put that information across that wasn't to my particular taste, but it may be to others.

Erin-Go-Bragh, 06 Jul 2004
Kee has written a book that is clear, lucid and interesting over about 750 pages (discounting the appendices). He only just fails to hide the ridicule he feels for the noble sacrifice of 1916, when brave Irish souls fought for their own people, instead of giving their lives for nothing in a capitalist-imperialist war, dying for a country that had oppressed them for over 400 years.
However, if you can ignore that, this book is still a must-have if you wish to learn about a subject that has never been taught in English schools.

A MUST READ BOOK ON IRISH NATIONALISM, 31 Dec 2001
Robert Kee's "The Green Flag" is near 900 page superbly written history of Irish nationalism from its early roots, the Wolf Tone rebellion, the Catholic Emancipation and Repeal of the Union campaign, the early Fenian activity, the rise of the IRA and UVF, the Easter Rising, the Civil War and the Creation of the Irish Free State, the impact of Collins and De Valera, the beginning of the Irish Republic in 1949, and the early beginnings of the troubles in 1969. The detail of the book is awesome and offers insight into the history of Ireland in a totally unbiased way. Its only failing is that it fails to keep up with history. Written in the early 1970s Kee has kept himself to concentrating on an history up to 1922 and the Irish Free State. This misses alot of history since, but surely an updated version of the book with a couple of extra chapters to bring it up to date would make Kee's book the ultimate for any person interested in Irish History. A MUST READ BOOK!!!!

This is the best book on early 20th centry Ireland that I kn, 07 Mar 2001
I read this book while doing an A level disertation on the Easter Rising. It was the most helpful book by far, from a collection of more than 20. Ourselves Alone, the thrid part, was especially good in its explanation of the Aglo Irish war. The detail is there for one to finish with a knowledge of that time in Ireland that lacks any gaps.

Inside the IRA,sort of., 02 Apr 2008
That's the problem with this book.It says it is an iside account,but,in the nature of underground paramilitary groups,the reader is left to take so much on trust.Virtually all the sources are "Republican source","confidential interview" and the like-it's hard to know what to believe.
For all that,the material from 1976 onwards(Gerry Adams becoming political leader,the dual nature of Sinn Fein and the IRA,the politicisation of the IRA,the drive towards negotiations,and finally Sinn Fein's eclipsing others to become the dominant Catholic/nationalist party in Northern Ireland)is highly plausible and well written.His conclusion,that the extremes have now taken over Northern Ireland,and that sectarianism is more established now than it ever was during The Troubles,is hard to argue with.A depressing conclusion to a depressing history.

Terroist or Freedom Fighter, Soldier or Politician , 12 Sep 2008
Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan is interesting book dealing with one of modern Ireland's legendary figures. It is a very in-depth book especially when you consider that Michael Collins died in his early thirties and therefore I believe that anybody interested in finding out about this man will not be disappointed. However, it does have some flaws, firstly, the style of writing is at first a little difficult and needs perservering with. Secondly, the use of English when the term British is more appropriate can be annoying and finally, it does fit at times into the usual trend you find in books about revolutionaries who died young that what they did and what they could have achieved can be overplayed. Nevertheless it is a good book about this pivotal figure in modern Irish history.

Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan, 04 Sep 2008
Taken from a historical viewpoint, Michael Collins, is arguably Ireland's most complex figure. His death at the age of 31 adds to the enigma but far from the version we see in Neil Jordan's enjoyable if somewhat glossed biopic of Irelands former Commander in Chief,we are given a very comprehensive account of whom Tim Pat Coogan describes as Ireland's greatest nationalist. Those reading about Collins or indeed this period of Irish history for the first time should familiarize themselves with the intricacies of the Irish question in this period for they were very complex. At the heart of the issue was Ireland's quest for total independence. Collins it is revealed saw the Anglo Irish treaty as a stepping stone but his opponents saw it as a sell out. It would lead to a country divided, the greatest tragedy of a very tragic history, but Tim Pat Coogan deals with the subject very sensitively. The complex issues involved means that the language at times is a bit heavy handed but overall this is a wonderful book which challenges the reader.

concise history, 02 Feb 2008
This books as much a review of the treaty than a blow by blow account of collin's life

crowded with facts it quickly swamps the reader and a feeling of when does the interesting bit begin washes over

obivously the last section provides this with the ambush

it left me with feeling that those who live by the sword often die of it
collins was no saint - his death may even have saved lives up north who knows

Best book ever likely to be written on M. Collins, 29 Jan 2002
Tim Pat Coogan's book is a triumph of intelligence, research and dedication over the romantic rose tinted blindness of others who have tackled this subject. He presents the man as a whole being not an empty hero on a pedestal. This is a man in his worst and best moments.

Coogan's style of writing is a delight to behold. This is a man who never uses over blown emotion and empty cliche. He absorbs you into the subject.

I have had both the delight and misfortute to read many books on Michael Collins and this is by far the best. It towers head and shoulders above all others. Even Margery Forster's 'Lost Leader' can't capture the man or the era in this honest, direct and evocative manner.

If you enjoy twentifth century history then buy this book. Buy this book if you want the undiluted truth. Most of all buy this book if you want to read a biographical masterpiece.

The most complete, authoritative work about Michael Collins, 16 Nov 2001
A splendid biography about one of the most important leaders in the process of Ireland's independence.

As the other books of T.P.Coogan, it reflects a lot of research of a professional writer who is specialised in the history of Ireland in the 20th century. The account reads fluently, also for foreigners, sometimes bearing the character of a thrilling non-fiction novel.

Readers, who have watched the movie of Neil Jordan first, will find that the motion-picture scenario is almost completely based on this title with some small differences, obviously inserted or altered for reasons of screen effect.

One point surprising me is the covering of the Civil War after the signing of the Treaty: there is no chapter in this title dedicated especially to the Civil War, rather are the elements of this conflict spread evenly over the last chapters. It looks like T.P.Coogan replaced this with the chapter about Northern Ireland, just before "mouth of flowers", wherein the policy of Michael Collins and the Free State government towards the northern Six Counties is emphasized. I have the impression this was done deliberately and that the Northern Ireland issue and it's Troubles is the pet subject of T.P.Coogan (see e.g. other titles of the same author, as "the Troubles" or "the IRA"...). Personally, I would have expected an elaborate account on this sensitive subject (in contradistinction to the absence of a detailed account on the Civil War, an extensive description and discussion of the (Guerilla) War against the British and the British Campaign in Ireland appears in the former part of the book, which is indeed a very chilling experience). This might be a possible new title of the author in the future.
At the end a short discussion is given on the circumstances of Michael Collins death and the alleged assassin(s). A short touch is made on one of the famous cover-up stories. Coogan penetrates here without too many details, because this kind of investigations rather belongs in the world of (sensational) "who-done-it" documentaries.
Very interesting is the speculation the author makes in the last chapter "honouring the dead" about what would have happened if Michael Collins would not have been assassinated but would have lived during the following years. It is Coogan's opinion that Ireland would have prospered more quickly, and that on top of that, most probably, it would have been an united country now without the separation of the North.

This title is also a jumping board to other titles of the same author. Several subjects which are treated briefly in this book are the title of other works of T.P.Coogan. People who want to have a good insight in the background of the struggle of Ireland for it's independence can rely on this writer.

A must for concerned readers.

Badly written though has some good points, 23 Sep 2007
This book though not totally without merit could have been condensed into about two pages of useful information. The author has taken rather selective interpretations of history and in many areas his historical knowledge contains huge gaps. There are a few good points made though the amount of nonsense one has to trawl through to get to these points is enough to make one despair.

An eloquent masterpiece and an all defining reflection, 29 Dec 1999
Without doubt the finest reflection on the origin and spread of nationalism ever written, not only in terms of its informed, imaginative perspective but also in the erudite quality of Anderson's narrative. As an expert on the history of South-East Asia, Anderson brings a valuable perspective to the all too Euro-centric debate on the rise of the nation state and the emotional attachment to it. A must for all who seek to discover the elusive and thusfar ill-defined origins of nationalism.

Standby to emigate!, 28 Apr 2008
Hitchens is always a good, if controversial read. His opinions are well founded and often well researched. This book tells you why UK society has been broken, why it might never recover and who did it. The devastation that has been waged while the UK has slept is truly shattering. I dont always agree with Hitchens and his opinions, but here he is dealing with hard edged fact. Fact that will enrage you and by the end of book will make you wonder what you have to do to change the social re engineering that the UK has suffered at the hands of the do gooders who have not always fully understood the ramifications of their handiwork. Hitchens covers everything from the Church of England to Law. Hitchens will admit that this book is out of date by 10 years as Blair was just coming to power as he closes the book. We all know what Blair has done to England since then. The vacuum created allows a much worse enemy to creep into our society. For American readers this book is s dire warning of what they must fight in their own society. Time to emigrate!

A Brilliant Book, 08 Sep 2008
This is my forth copy of this book as I gave the others away to friends,some of them living in Ireland. Northern Ireland,has always been a subject,I wanted to know more of,and this book does the trick,in more ways than one. If I could give it twenty stars I would.
I served in N I in the 70s,and over the past 30 years,I have asked myself,what the hell was it all about.-What caused it all to start with. Well this book goes a long way,in giving me the answers.
People may think I am wrong when I say -you cant hold a country responsible for the atrocities that happend on it's own door step.Well you cant,what you need to do is find out what caused it to start with. This book will show,that it all began long before we were even born. Does politics ring a bell?. We no longer blame the American Indians,for things that the Americans do wrong,and after all is said and done,its the Indians,that are the true Americans.-Know where I'm coming from?.-.
Now we have a kind of peace between us,lets look at the subject from an historical point of view,and see if we cant move on.This book will help some to do just that.A brilliant book,that should be on the shelf,of all,who are interested,in the history,of Ireland.

Quite Good, 04 Mar 2008
This is a good book which focuses on events rather than providing analysis. I would have much preferred the book to come from a more human, emotional perspective though.
I didn't feel as though the book was written with the passion that a subject like this deserves. Normally a partisan view of things is not warranted, but a subject like this without a measure of passion ultimately falls flat. It just lacked feeling, and the description of events became monotonous and perfunctory. The fact that Kee is English, not Irish , probably had something to do with this. His sense of reserved detachment never falters but alas this provides little piquancy for the reader.

Most of the books 750 pages are confined to the 19th century and consequently you become lost in all the events that took place in that period of time. Little is written before or after this period. Why just this century in a book that claims to be a whole history of Irish Nationalism? Kee would say that this is the century that everything changed, but still it would have been nice to be partial to things that led up to the events that took place. It would give the reader a more panoramic view of things.

I often felt like I was being placed in the deep end without knowing why things were taking place. It is not just on events that there is little background info but also more needed to be said on the participants of the events.
Given that the book centres on people rebelling due to their grievances, it would have helped me to understand, more about what those grievances were. You would then be able to sympathise with their plight, drawing you more into their story and really willing them on to succeed. But Kee's stand-off approach served to dehumanise the characters and you failed to empathize with them to any great extent.

One other minor grievance is that I would have like a few more maps in addition to a solitary map of Ireland at the front of the book. They would have helped to bring the book alive. Also maybe a few photos of the various main players wouldn't have gone amiss too.

Having said all this I will give Kee his due: this is a very well researched book and the information is all there, it's just how Kee put that information across that wasn't to my particular taste, but it may be to others.

Erin-Go-Bragh, 06 Jul 2004
Kee has written a book that is clear, lucid and interesting over about 750 pages (discounting the appendices). He only just fails to hide the ridicule he feels for the noble sacrifice of 1916, when brave Irish souls fought for their own people, instead of giving their lives for nothing in a capitalist-imperialist war, dying for a country that had oppressed them for over 400 years.
However, if you can ignore that, this book is still a must-have if you wish to learn about a subject that has never been taught in English schools.

A MUST READ BOOK ON IRISH NATIONALISM, 31 Dec 2001
Robert Kee's "The Green Flag" is near 900 page superbly written history of Irish nationalism from its early roots, the Wolf Tone rebellion, the Catholic Emancipation and Repeal of the Union campaign, the early Fenian activity, the rise of the IRA and UVF, the Easter Rising, the Civil War and the Creation of the Irish Free State, the impact of Collins and De Valera, the beginning of the Irish Republic in 1949, and the early beginnings of the troubles in 1969. The detail of the book is awesome and offers insight into the history of Ireland in a totally unbiased way. Its only failing is that it fails to keep up with history. Written in the early 1970s Kee has kept himself to concentrating on an history up to 1922 and the Irish Free State. This misses alot of history since, but surely an updated version of the book with a couple of extra chapters to bring it up to date would make Kee's book the ultimate for any person interested in Irish History. A MUST READ BOOK!!!!

This is the best book on early 20th centry Ireland that I kn, 07 Mar 2001
I read this book while doing an A level disertation on the Easter Rising. It was the most helpful book by far, from a collection of more than 20. Ourselves Alone, the thrid part, was especially good in its explanation of the Aglo Irish war. The detail is there for one to finish with a knowledge of that time in Ireland that lacks any gaps.

Inside the IRA,sort of., 02 Apr 2008
That's the problem with this book.It says it is an iside account,but,in the nature of underground paramilitary groups,the reader is left to take so much on trust.Virtually all the sources are "Republican source","confidential interview" and the like-it's hard to know what to believe.
For all that,the material from 1976 onwards(Gerry Adams becoming political leader,the dual nature of Sinn Fein and the IRA,the politicisation of the IRA,the drive towards negotiations,and finally Sinn Fein's eclipsing others to become the dominant Catholic/nationalist party in Northern Ireland)is highly plausible and well written.His conclusion,that the extremes have now taken over Northern Ireland,and that sectarianism is more established now than it ever was during The Troubles,is hard to argue with.A depressing conclusion to a depressing history.

Terroist or Freedom Fighter, Soldier or Politician , 12 Sep 2008
Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan is interesting book dealing with one of modern Ireland's legendary figures. It is a very in-depth book especially when you consider that Michael Collins died in his early thirties and therefore I believe that anybody interested in finding out about this man will not be disappointed. However, it does have some flaws, firstly, the style of writing is at first a little difficult and needs perservering with. Secondly, the use of English when the term British is more appropriate can be annoying and finally, it does fit at times into the usual trend you find in books about revolutionaries who died young that what they did and what they could have achieved can be overplayed. Nevertheless it is a good book about this pivotal figure in modern Irish history.

Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan, 04 Sep 2008
Taken from a historical viewpoint, Michael Collins, is arguably Ireland's most complex figure. His death at the age of 31 adds to the enigma but far from the version we see in Neil Jordan's enjoyable if somewhat glossed biopic of Irelands former Commander in Chief,we are given a very comprehensive account of whom Tim Pat Coogan describes as Ireland's greatest nationalist. Those reading about Collins or indeed this period of Irish history for the first time should familiarize themselves with the intricacies of the Irish question in this period for they were very complex. At the heart of the issue was Ireland's quest for total independence. Collins it is revealed saw the Anglo Irish treaty as a stepping stone but his opponents saw it as a sell out. It would lead to a country divided, the greatest tragedy of a very tragic history, but Tim Pat Coogan deals with the subject very sensitively. The complex issues involved means that the language at times is a bit heavy handed but overall this is a wonderful book which challenges the reader.

concise history, 02 Feb 2008
This books as much a review of the treaty than a blow by blow account of collin's life

crowded with facts it quickly swamps the reader and a feeling of when does the interesting bit begin washes over

obivously the last section provides this with the ambush

it left me with feeling that those who live by the sword often die of it
collins was no saint - his death may even have saved lives up north who knows

Best book ever likely to be written on M. Collins, 29 Jan 2002
Tim Pat Coogan's book is a triumph of intelligence, research and dedication over the romantic rose tinted blindness of others who have tackled this subject. He presents the man as a whole being not an empty hero on a pedestal. This is a man in his worst and best moments.

Coogan's style of writing is a delight to behold. This is a man who never uses over blown emotion and empty cliche. He absorbs you into the subject.

I have had both the delight and misfortute to read many books on Michael Collins and this is by far the best. It towers head and shoulders above all others. Even Margery Forster's 'Lost Leader' can't capture the man or the era in this honest, direct and evocative manner.

If you enjoy twentifth century history then buy this book. Buy this book if you want the undiluted truth. Most of all buy this book if you want to read a biographical masterpiece.

The most complete, authoritative work about Michael Collins, 16 Nov 2001
A splendid biography about one of the most important leaders in the process of Ireland's independence.

As the other books of T.P.Coogan, it reflects a lot of research of a professional writer who is specialised in the history of Ireland in the 20th century. The account reads fluently, also for foreigners, sometimes bearing the character of a thrilling non-fiction novel.

Readers, who have watched the movie of Neil Jordan first, will find that the motion-picture scenario is almost completely based on this title with some small differences, obviously inserted or altered for reasons of screen effect.

One point surprising me is the covering of the Civil War after the signing of the Treaty: there is no chapter in this title dedicated especially to the Civil War, rather are the elements of this conflict spread evenly over the last chapters. It looks like T.P.Coogan replaced this with the chapter about Northern Ireland, just before "mouth of flowers", wherein the policy of Michael Collins and the Free State government towards the northern Six Counties is emphasized. I have the impression this was done deliberately and that the Northern Ireland issue and it's Troubles is the pet subject of T.P.Coogan (see e.g. other titles of the same author, as "the Troubles" or "the IRA"...). Personally, I would have expected an elaborate account on this sensitive subject (in contradistinction to the absence of a detailed account on the Civil War, an extensive description and discussion of the (Guerilla) War against the British and the British Campaign in Ireland appears in the former part of the book, which is indeed a very chilling experience). This might be a possible new title of the author in the future.
At the end a short discussion is given on the circumstances of Michael Collins death and the alleged assassin(s). A short touch is made on one of the famous cover-up stories. Coogan penetrates here without too many details, because this kind of investigations rather belongs in the world of (sensational) "who-done-it" documentaries.
Very interesting is the speculation the author makes in the last chapter "honouring the dead" about what would have happened if Michael Collins would not have been assassinated but would have lived during the following years. It is Coogan's opinion that Ireland would have prospered more quickly, and that on top of that, most probably, it would have been an united country now without the separation of the North.

This title is also a jumping board to other titles of the same author. Several subjects which are treated briefly in this book are the title of other works of T.P.Coogan. People who want to have a good insight in the background of the struggle of Ireland for it's independence can rely on this writer.

A must for concerned readers.

Excellent summary of Nationalism, 11 Jun 2006
This book is a reader on nationalism that does an excellent summary - perhaps the best summary around - of all the key developments on thought about nationalism. This is a field that has rapidly expanded over the last few decades and thus profits greatly from this work of synthesis and comparative analysis. One of the great things about the book is its inclusion of extracts from the writings of luminaries in the field, from Joseph Stalin and Max Weber to more recent commentators like Eric Hosbawm and Benedict Anderson.

The book is divided into a number of sections, each with an introduction and a selection of extracts from a number of writers.

[...]

Students will find this extremely useful as a general survey of the subject. General readers will also be interested the issues flagged up, which bear immense relevance to contemporary politics, society and culture.

Without doubt, a five-star contribution to the field.


An excellent introduction to nationalism., 20 Feb 2002
Smith analysis the main writers on Nationalism and related concepts. It is an excellent introduction and is very useful to read in conjunction with readers in nationalism and/or major works in nationalism. He discusses the main areas surrounding nationalism including, concepts, ideologies, theories and prospects.

An excellent and stimulating introduction to the subject., 23 Jul 2000
I would recommend this as the first place to go for anyone studying the complex subject of nationalism and national identity. The wide-ranging extracts are concise and well-chosen, and the introductory comments to each section are very helpful.

Badly written though has some good points, 23 Sep 2007
This book though not totally without merit could have been condensed into about two pages of useful information. The author has taken rather selective interpretations of history and in many areas his historical knowledge contains huge gaps. There are a few good points made though the amount of nonsense one has to trawl through to get to these points is enough to make one despair.

An eloquent masterpiece and an all defining reflection, 29 Dec 1999
Without doubt the finest reflection on the origin and spread of nationalism ever written, not only in terms of its informed, imaginative perspective but also in the erudite quality of Anderson's narrative. As an expert on the history of South-East Asia, Anderson brings a valuable perspective to the all too Euro-centric debate on the rise of the nation state and the emotional attachment to it. A must for all who seek to discover the elusive and thusfar ill-defined origins of nationalism.

Standby to emigate!, 28 Apr 2008
Hitchens is always a good, if controversial read. His opinions are well founded and often well researched. This book tells you why UK society has been broken, why it might never recover and who did it. The devastation that has been waged while the UK has slept is truly shattering. I dont always agree with Hitchens and his opinions, but here he is dealing with hard edged fact. Fact that will enrage you and by the end of book will make you wonder what you have to do to change the social re engineering that the UK has suffered at the hands of the do gooders who have not always fully understood the ramifications of their handiwork. Hitchens covers everything from the Church of England to Law. Hitchens will admit that this book is out of date by 10 years as Blair was just coming to power as he closes the book. We all know what Blair has done to England since then. The vacuum created allows a much worse enemy to creep into our society. For American readers this book is s dire warning of what they must fight in their own society. Time to emigrate!

A Brilliant Book, 08 Sep 2008
This is my forth copy of this book as I gave the others away to friends,some of them living in Ireland. Northern Ireland,has always been a subject,I wanted to know more of,and this book does the trick,in more ways than one. If I could give it twenty stars I would.
I served in N I in the 70s,and over the past 30 years,I have asked myself,what the hell was it all about.-What caused it all to start with. Well this book goes a long way,in giving me the answers.
People may think I am wrong when I say -you cant hold a country responsible for the atrocities that happend on it's own door step.Well you cant,what you need to do is find out what caused it to start with. This book will show,that it all began long before we were even born. Does politics ring a bell?. We no longer blame the American Indians,for things that the Americans do wrong,and after all is said and done,its the Indians,that are the true Americans.-Know where I'm coming from?.-.
Now we have a kind of peace between us,lets look at the subject from an historical point of view,and see if we cant move on.This book will help some to do just that.A brilliant book,that should be on the shelf,of all,who are interested,in the history,of Ireland.

Quite Good, 04 Mar 2008
This is a good book which focuses on events rather than providing analysis. I would have much preferred the book to come from a more human, emotional perspective though.
I didn't feel as though the book was written with the passion that a subject like this deserves. Normally a partisan view of things is not warranted, but a subject like this without a measure of passion ultimately falls flat. It just lacked feeling, and the description of events became monotonous and perfunctory. The fact that Kee is English, not Irish , probably had something to do with this. His sense of reserved detachment never falters but alas this provides little piquancy for the reader.

Most of the books 750 pages are confined to the 19th century and consequently you become lost in all the events that took place in that period of time. Little is written before or after this period. Why just this century in a book that claims to be a whole history of Irish Nationalism? Kee would say that this is the century that everything changed, but still it would have been nice to be partial to things that led up to the events that took place. It would give the reader a more panoramic view of things.

I often felt like I was being placed in the deep end without knowing why things were taking place. It is not just on events that there is little background info but also more needed to be said on the participants of the events.
Given that the book centres on people rebelling due to their grievances, it would have helped me to understand, more about what those grievances were. You would then be able to sympathise with their plight, drawing you more into their story and really willing them on to succeed. But Kee's stand-off approach served to dehumanise the characters and you failed to empathize with them to any great extent.

One other minor grievance is that I would have like a few more maps in addition to a solitary map of Ireland at the front of the book. They would have helped to bring the book alive. Also maybe a few photos of the various main players wouldn't have gone amiss too.

Having said all this I will give Kee his due: this is a very well researched book and the information is all there, it's just how Kee put that information across that wasn't to my particular taste, but it may be to others.

Erin-Go-Bragh, 06 Jul 2004
Kee has written a book that is clear, lucid and interesting over about 750 pages (discounting the appendices). He only just fails to hide the ridicule he feels for the noble sacrifice of 1916, when brave Irish souls fought for their own people, instead of giving their lives for nothing in a capitalist-imperialist war, dying for a country that had oppressed them for over 400 years.
However, if you can ignore that, this book is still a must-have if you wish to learn about a subject that has never been taught in English schools.

A MUST READ BOOK ON IRISH NATIONALISM, 31 Dec 2001
Robert Kee's "The Green Flag" is near 900 page superbly written history of Irish nationalism from its early roots, the Wolf Tone rebellion, the Catholic Emancipation and Repeal of the Union campaign, the early Fenian activity, the rise of the IRA and UVF, the Easter Rising, the Civil War and the Creation of the Irish Free State, the impact of Collins and De Valera, the beginning of the Irish Republic in 1949, and the early beginnings of the troubles in 1969. The detail of the book is awesome and offers insight into the history of Ireland in a totally unbiased way. Its only failing is that it fails to keep up with history. Written in the early 1970s Kee has kept himself to concentrating on an history up to 1922 and the Irish Free State. This misses alot of history since, but surely an updated version of the book with a couple of extra chapters to bring it up to date would make Kee's book the ultimate for any person interested in Irish History. A MUST READ BOOK!!!!

This is the best book on early 20th centry Ireland that I kn, 07 Mar 2001
I read this book while doing an A level disertation on the Easter Rising. It was the most helpful book by far, from a collection of more than 20. Ourselves Alone, the thrid part, was especially good in its explanation of the Aglo Irish war. The detail is there for one to finish with a knowledge of that time in Ireland that lacks any gaps.

Inside the IRA,sort of., 02 Apr 2008
That's the problem with this book.It says it is an iside account,but,in the nature of underground paramilitary groups,the reader is left to take so much on trust.Virtually all the sources are "Republican source","confidential interview" and the like-it's hard to know what to believe.
For all that,the material from 1976 onwards(Gerry Adams becoming political leader,the dual nature of Sinn Fein and the IRA,the politicisation of the IRA,the drive towards negotiations,and finally Sinn Fein's eclipsing others to become the dominant Catholic/nationalist party in Northern Ireland)is highly plausible and well written.His conclusion,that the extremes have now taken over Northern Ireland,and that sectarianism is more established now than it ever was during The Troubles,is hard to argue with.A depressing conclusion to a depressing history.

Terroist or Freedom Fighter, Soldier or Politician , 12 Sep 2008
Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan is interesting book dealing with one of modern Ireland's legendary figures. It is a very in-depth book especially when you consider that Michael Collins died in his early thirties and therefore I believe that anybody interested in finding out about this man will not be disappointed. However, it does have some flaws, firstly, the style of writing is at first a little difficult and needs perservering with. Secondly, the use of English when the term British is more appropriate can be annoying and finally, it does fit at times into the usual trend you find in books about revolutionaries who died young that what they did and what they could have achieved can be overplayed. Nevertheless it is a good book about this pivotal figure in modern Irish history.

Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan, 04 Sep 2008
Taken from a historical viewpoint, Michael Collins, is arguably Ireland's most complex figure. His death at the age of 31 adds to the enigma but far from the version we see in Neil Jordan's enjoyable if somewhat glossed biopic of Irelands former Commander in Chief,we are given a very comprehensive account of whom Tim Pat Coogan describes as Ireland's greatest nationalist. Those reading about Collins or indeed this period of Irish history for the first time should familiarize themselves with the intricacies of the Irish question in this period for they were very complex. At the heart of the issue was Ireland's quest for total independence. Collins it is revealed saw the Anglo Irish treaty as a stepping stone but his opponents saw it as a sell out. It would lead to a country divided, the greatest tragedy of a very tragic history, but Tim Pat Coogan deals with the subject very sensitively. The complex issues involved means that the language at times is a bit heavy handed but overall this is a wonderful book which challenges the reader.

concise history, 02 Feb 2008
This books as much a review of the treaty than a blow by blow account of collin's life

crowded with facts it quickly swamps the reader and a feeling of when does the interesting bit begin washes over

obivously the last section provides this with the ambush

it left me with feeling that those who live by the sword often die of it
collins was no saint - his death may even have saved lives up north who knows

Best book ever likely to be written on M. Collins, 29 Jan 2002
Tim Pat Coogan's book is a triumph of intelligence, research and dedication over the romantic rose tinted blindness of others who have tackled this subject. He presents the man as a whole being not an empty hero on a pedestal. This is a man in his worst and best moments.

Coogan's style of writing is a delight to behold. This is a man who never uses over blown emotion and empty cliche. He absorbs you into the subject.

I have had both the delight and misfortute to read many books on Michael Collins and this is by far the best. It towers head and shoulders above all others. Even Margery Forster's 'Lost Leader' can't capture the man or the era in this honest, direct and evocative manner.

If you enjoy twentifth century history then buy this book. Buy this book if you want the undiluted truth. Most of all buy this book if you want to read a biographical masterpiece.

The most complete, authoritative work about Michael Collins, 16 Nov 2001
A splendid biography about one of the most important leaders in the process of Ireland's independence.

As the other books of T.P.Coogan, it reflects a lot of research of a professional writer who is specialised in the history of Ireland in the 20th century. The account reads fluently, also for foreigners, sometimes bearing the character of a thrilling non-fiction novel.

Readers, who have watched the movie of Neil Jordan first, will find that the motion-picture scenario is almost completely based on this title with some small differences, obviously inserted or altered for reasons of screen effect.

One point surprising me is the covering of the Civil War after the signing of the Treaty: there is no chapter in this title dedicated especially to the Civil War, rather are the elements of this conflict spread evenly over the last chapters. It looks like T.P.Coogan replaced this with the chapter about Northern Ireland, just before "mouth of flowers", wherein the policy of Michael Collins and the Free State government towards the northern Six Counties is emphasized. I have the impression this was done deliberately and that the Northern Ireland issue and it's Troubles is the pet subject of T.P.Coogan (see e.g. other titles of the same author, as "the Troubles" or "the IRA"...). Personally, I would have expected an elaborate account on this sensitive subject (in contradistinction to the absence of a detailed account on the Civil War, an extensive description and discussion of the (Guerilla) War against the British and the British Campaign in Ireland appears in the former part of the book, which is indeed a very chilling experience). This might be a possible new title of the author in the future.
At the end a short discussion is given on the circumstances of Michael Collins death and the alleged assassin(s). A short touch is made on one of the famous cover-up stories. Coogan penetrates here without too many details, because this kind of investigations rather belongs in the world of (sensational) "who-done-it" documentaries.
Very interesting is the speculation the author makes in the last chapter "honouring the dead" about what would have happened if Michael Collins would not have been assassinated but would have lived during the following years. It is Coogan's opinion that Ireland would have prospered more quickly, and that on top of that, most probably, it would have been an united country now without the separation of the North.

This title is also a jumping board to other titles of the same author. Several subjects which are treated briefly in this book are the title of other works of T.P.Coogan. People who want to have a good insight in the background of the struggle of Ireland for it's independence can rely on this writer.

A must for concerned readers.

Excellent summary of Nationalism, 11 Jun 2006
This book is a reader on nationalism that does an excellent summary - perhaps the best summary around - of all the key developments on thought about nationalism. This is a field that has rapidly expanded over the last few decades and thus profits greatly from this work of synthesis and comparative analysis. One of the great things about the book is its inclusion of extracts from the writings of luminaries in the field, from Joseph Stalin and Max Weber to more recent commentators like Eric Hosbawm and Benedict Anderson.

The book is divided into a number of sections, each with an introduction and a selection of extracts from a number of writers.

[...]

Students will find this extremely useful as a general survey of the subject. General readers will also be interested the issues flagged up, which bear immense relevance to contemporary politics, society and culture.

Without doubt, a five-star contribution to the field.


An excellent introduction to nationalism., 20 Feb 2002
Smith analysis the main writers on Nationalism and related concepts. It is an excellent introduction and is very useful to read in conjunction with readers in nationalism and/or major works in nationalism. He discusses the main areas surrounding nationalism including, concepts, ideologies, theories and prospects.

An excellent and stimulating introduction to the subject., 23 Jul 2000
I would recommend this as the first place to go for anyone studying the complex subject of nationalism and national identity. The wide-ranging extracts are concise and well-chosen, and the introductory comments to each section are very helpful.

reflects worries of the West though not much new insights on what is really happening inside Chinese politics and society, 05 Jan 2008
This is one of those new books that aim to make new sense on the sudden surge of Chinese economy and international influence. Based on some personal experiences and interviews, Susan aims to shed some new light on a tough topic. Interesting read, but this book is far away from revealing the dynamics and inner workings of Chinese politics and society. Understanding how the rug is moving turns out no easy task. To get a more realistic picture, read: China and the new world order, by Chinese journalist George Zhibin Gu, which offers inside stories of changing Chinese politics and society, and more significantly, why things happen in the way as they do.

An excellent contribution to scholarship, 30 Jun 2007
Amidst a mountain of recent literature on China and its relations with the world, Susan Shirk's contribution stands out. The writing style is calm and easy, but her knowledge of Chinese diplomacy is very deep, based on first-hand experience as an US diplomat under the Clinton administration. The message is stark: that despite their phenomenal economic growth, Chinese leaders remain acutely conscious of their country's limitations, and China's inherent internal problems are much deeper and, perhaps, more intractable, than most commentators assume.

Ms Shirk is particularly good in her survey of China's current nationalism, fostered and encouraged by the regime in order to provide the Communist Party with a new legitimacy, but now turned into a beast which cannot be controlled, and which increasingly hampers Beijing's ability to conduct its foreign diplomacy.

One would have wished to see a more thorough examination of what the West can do in order to ease China's path, while guiding the country towards a more cooperative behaviour in international institutions. Ms Shirk is very good in explaining what the West should NOT do, but is fairly silent in advocating policies which SHOULD be pursued.

Nevertheless, there is no question that her book is a serious addition to the existing scholarship, and a very judicious, well-documented analysis of how the China's internal politics could still derail that country's "peaceful rise".

Badly written though has some good points, 23 Sep 2007
This book though not totally without merit could have been condensed into about two pages of useful information. The author has taken rather selective interpretations of history and in many areas his historical knowledge contains huge gaps. There are a few good points made though the amount of nonsense one has to trawl through to get to these points is enough to make one despair.

An eloquent masterpiece and an all defining reflection, 29 Dec 1999
Without doubt the finest reflection on the origin and spread of nationalism ever written, not only in terms of its informed, imaginative perspective but also in the erudite quality of Anderson's narrative. As an expert on the history of South-East Asia, Anderson brings a valuable perspective to the all too Euro-centric debate on the rise of the nation state and the emotional attachment to it. A must for all who seek to discover the elusive and thusfar ill-defined origins of nationalism.

Standby to emigate!, 28 Apr 2008
Hitchens is always a good, if controversial read. His opinions are well founded and often well researched. This book tells you why UK society has been broken, why it might never recover and who did it. The devastation that has been waged while the UK has slept is truly shattering. I dont always agree with Hitchens and his opinions, but here he is dealing with hard edged fact. Fact that will enrage you and by the end of book will make you wonder what you have to do to change the social re engineering that the UK has suffered at the hands of the do gooders who have not always fully understood the ramifications of their handiwork. Hitchens covers everything from the Church of England to Law. Hitchens will admit that this book is out of date by 10 years as Blair was just coming to power as he closes the book. We all know what Blair has done to England since then. The vacuum created allows a much worse enemy to creep into our society. For American readers this book is s dire warning of what they must fight in their own society. Time to emigrate!

A Brilliant Book, 08 Sep 2008
This is my forth copy of this book as I gave the others away to friends,some of them living in Ireland. Northern Ireland,has always been a subject,I wanted to know more of,and this book does the trick,in more ways than one. If I could give it twenty stars I would.
I served in N I in the 70s,and over the past 30 years,I have asked myself,what the hell was it all about.-What caused it all to start with. Well this book goes a long way,in giving me the answers.
People may think I am wrong when I say -you cant hold a country responsible for the atrocities that happend on it's own door step.Well you cant,what you need to do is find out what caused it to start with. This book will show,that it all began long before we were even born. Does politics ring a bell?. We no longer blame the American Indians,for things that the Americans do wrong,and after all is said and done,its the Indians,that are the true Americans.-Know where I'm coming from?.-.
Now we have a kind of peace between us,lets look at the subject from an historical point of view,and see if we cant move on.This book will help some to do just that.A brilliant book,that should be on the shelf,of all,who are interested,in the history,of Ireland.

Quite Good, 04 Mar 2008
This is a good book which focuses on events rather than providing analysis. I would have much preferred the book to come from a more human, emotional perspective though.
I didn't feel as though the book was written with the passion that a subject like this deserves. Normally a partisan view of things is not warranted, but a subject like this without a measure of passion ultimately falls flat. It just lacked feeling, and the description of events became monotonous and perfunctory. The fact that Kee is English, not Irish , probably had something to do with this. His sense of reserved detachment never falters but alas this provides little piquancy for the reader.

Most of the books 750 pages are confined to the 19th century and consequently you become lost in all the events that took place in that period of time. Little is written before or after this period. Why just this century in a book that claims to be a whole history of Irish Nationalism? Kee would say that this is the century that everything changed, but still it would have been nice to be partial to things that led up to the events that took place. It would give the reader a more panoramic view of things.

I often felt like I was being placed in the deep end without knowing why things were taking place. It is not just on events that there is little background info but also more needed to be said on the participants of the events.
Given that the book centres on people rebelling due to their grievances, it would have helped me to understand, more about what those grievances were. You would then be able to sympathise with their plight, drawing you more into their story and really willing them on to succeed. But Kee's stand-off approach served to dehumanise the characters and you failed to empathize with them to any great extent.

One other minor grievance is that I would have like a few more maps in addition to a solitary map of Irelan