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June 2016 Vol. 53 No. 10

A timely release in commemoration of the centennial of the 1916 Easter rising, this impressive volume will appeal to historians and general readers alike.  Volume editors White and Quinn, who worked on the Royal Irish Academy's formidable Dictionary of Irish Biography (CH, Jun'10, 47-5365) project, have selected articles from that source for this volume, vividly portraying 42 individuals involved in the rebellion of 1916.  The biographies are both authoritative and diverse in scope.  The 21 male insurgents who died in 1916 are included, as are nine women who participated in the rising as soldiers or in support of the rebels.  Three nationalist opponents of the rising are also presented, as is Francis Sheehy-Skeffington, the most prominent civilian casualty of the hostilities.  For balance, there are six biographies representing the administration of Ireland, the British army, and the Dublin Metropolitan Police.  Finally, two historians who fostered early debate regarding the significance of the rising are featured as well.  Complementing the biographies is a comprehensive introduction by Irish historian Maume, who also contributes an afterword detailing survivors' lives after the rising.  Artist Rooney's black-and-white portraits beautifully enhance each entry.  Fully indexed and exhaustive in biographical detail, this book is highly recommended to all readers, and a core addition to Irish studies collections.

--M. Knight, University of South Florida

Summing Up: Highly recommended. All libraries. All levels.