Calton Younger (1921–2014)

Other reviewers have praised this book both for its readability and its accuracy. I concur on the accuracy. On the readability -- that is in the eye of the beholder. To one who is neutral on Anglo-Irish issues, it seems far too willing to condone Irish terrorism -- and unwilling to extend the same forgiveness to English terrorism. To me, terror is terror, and I don't care who commits it; the terrorists on both sides were wrong. That renders it almost unreadable to me.

An excellent read which stands the test of time since it was first written. Younger traces how the Civil War came into being and the events that led up to it by giving a brief introduction into the Rising, the War of Independence and the Treaty and the Debates. His analysis is very balanced and well referenced given the access he had to active participants in the Civil War.

The Gill's Irish lives series provided a very useful brief biography of significant Irish historical figures including Griffith. He, in particular, is someone deserving greater updated biographical analysis but this work provides a good starting point for reader’s which is facilitated by Younger's highly readable style.

Does its best to be impartial, though moderately pro-free state, as am I.