I’m writing this in a dash, just to let anybody know who isn’t already aware there’s a wonderful 1916 book- a joint project of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Irish Academy (and published by the Royal Irish Academy)- called 1916: Portraits and Lives. The book is 42 short biographies of key figures in 1916, from all sides. It can be ordered online or bought in many bookshops here (RRP, €30) But it’s also available as an ebook, and this is free to download during March. Since March ends tomorrow midnight, I just wanted to be sure my readers were aware of this. The book was designed to be “a present to the world” from Ireland, to commemorate the 1916 Rebellion, generally seen as the foundation event of our state. The text is excellent, by scholars selected and invited by the Royal Irish Academy, Ireland’s leading research institute and think tank. But the icing on the cake- representing a brave stroke of imagination by the DFF and RIA- is the wonderful illustrations, by artist David Rooney. These are are extremely striking, as well as very beautiful, full of drama, character and pathos.
First class historical writing and research; a 1916 guide you can refer to to the rest of your life, a souvenir of the rebellion, and some superb art. All free.
The link is here. What are you waiting for?
Above, from top, Helen Gifford Donnelly; Sean Connolly; Séan Hueston (awaiting execution) and Edward (Ned) Daly, the commandant of the Four Courts battalion, and brother-in-law of Tom Clarke. All work by David Rooney, all images courtesy, and copyright of the artist David Rooney; and copyright DFF and the Royal Irish Academy.
You can see a wonderful video with artist David Rooney discussing his work, here. https://youtu.be/sE_BVI4H9-A
Arran Q Henderson 
Wonderful! Thanks very much Arran!
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Isn’t it great? My pleasure Murray. Absolutely delighted you got the ebook. It’s genuinely a thing of real quality I reckon. Huge greetings, from rebel Ireland!
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Reblogged this on Jane Dougherty Writes and commented:
Great artwork!
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I’m delighted you did Jane. Hope many more people get to enjoy and experience it. Thanks for re-blogging.
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My favourite is the first one, but they are all extremely evocative. The medium is perfect, stark and uncompromising—if that doesn’t sound too pompous.
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Thanks so much for letting us know about this. I’ve reblogged, if that’s okay.
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But of course. Delighted. Enjoy the book, and the pictures. All Marvelous. -Arran.
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Thanks for re-blogging Jean. Great to get the word out about this remarkable project. Even if we both left it until the last day! (I nearly missed it myself.) Very glad I got the ebook now. The text and pictures are both just fantastic.
best regards- Arran.
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I was like a mad woman, Arran, facebooking, twittering, texting and emailing to let friends and family know about it before midnight, lol!
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Thanks so much for sharing this. I have downloaded it. The pics are beautiful.
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I agree, they are fantastic. Am delighted you got to download it. 🙂
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Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine and commented:
Thanks for the information, Downloaded the book
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