This is a very well written and rigorous book. However, it is apparent that the author was an admirer of Jack Lynch and I feel that, as a result, this diminished his criticical analysis of several aspects of Lynch’s career. Of course as Lynch was a popular figure admiring him is not something to apologise for but biographical analysis must show caution for potential concerns over bias. Of course the book is still superior to the deification that was Arnold’s “Hero in Crisis.” Lynch’s various achievements, starting with his time as a Minister, are overstated and the failures which arose during the tenures of his various Departments are barely analysed. Dwyer in “Nice Fellow” does this well by way of contrast. The book is deficient with regards to the intrigue and the developments leading up to the resignation of Seán Lemass and his succession as Taoiseach and Leader of Fianna Fáil. Its ultimate source of controversy, however, is regarding his coverage of the Arms Trial and how it transpired. His interpretation of the Peter Berry diaries would be questioned by many. Recent evidence, such as that from Col. Hefferon’s statement, that was expunged by the then Minister for Justice, Desmond O’Malley, was not even discussed as well as other issues raised in O’Brien’s “The Arms Trial” or MacIntyre’s “Through the Bridewell Gate.” While the book did highlight how useful Frank Aiken was to Lynch in particular during the Arms Trial period it is extremely lacking regarding analysis of his standing down from and ultimately leaving the party he helped found. Arnold, while not finding Lynch at fault, does deal with the matter whereas Collins in ‘’The Powergame” is very critical of Lynch for his handling of this whole affair. The book overall is well written and referenced as one would expect from Keogh but I was somewhat disappointed given my previous acquisitions from the author that this was not a more critical biography. ( )