Michael Collins and The Making of a New Ireland. Dublin: Phoenix Publishing Co Ltd.., 1926. First Edition. Two Volumes. Pp (1) xv, 458; (2) vii, 484. Including Appendix & index. Illustrated with Eighteen Plates. Publisher’s original olive cloth covers with gilt vignette portrait of Collins on front of each, gilt lettering and bands to spines faded, scattered spotting to preliminary leaves otherwise contents in nice bright condition. Housed in custom-made slipcase.

Signed & Dated by Piaras Béaslaí in year of publication on half-title of volume one. Very scarce thus.

The first edition of this iconic biography documenting the life of Michael Collins, which first appeared in 1926 with a second edition issued a month later. 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.