Description:
Sixteen men were executed and their deaths changed the course of Irish history. This book contains fascinating accounts of the life stories of these men.
Brief description: Anne-Marie Ryan has worked as an archivist and researcher at Kilmainham Gaol Museum and the Pearse Museum. Originally from Waterford, she studied English and History in TCD and completed a Masters in Museum Studies at the University of Leicester. She is currently working as a secondary school teacher of History and English
Review Quotes:
'...each man is presented as so marvelously alive and so filled with purpose right up until they tearfully realize the rising will end. And then rather than succumb to despair each man is to his ability able to summon grace and purpose.' - Kavan, Goodreads
' gives the reader a general outline of their lives, how exactly they came into contact with ideas of nationalism, their tasks in the Rising and how their personalities were, the latter especially through quotes from people who've met them and some excerpts from letters they wrote, which I found a great addition.' - Niche, Goodreads
'This is a concise account of the 16 men who were executed for their roles in the Easter Rising for Irish freedom in 1916. I have read biographies of four of the men in the 16 Lives series, so was familiar with several of the men included in this book. Even so, I found new information included in this well-researched and compelling account of men who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their belief in a free Ireland. These were men who came from all backgrounds - poets, playwrights, teachers, a lawyer, labor leader, artist, stone mason, cork cutter, and diplomat. Some grew up in well-to-do families, some in poverty. Yet all were drawn together by a love of Irish history, language, literature, and folklore, which became a desire to see an independent Ireland in charge of her own destiny.
Ryan includes excerpts from their own words and those of friends and family, often very poignant and emotional. Last year was the 100th anniversary of the rising and their deaths. All but one were executed in Ireland between the 3rd and 12th of May - the last in England, August 3rd, 1916. For the past three years I have chosen to honor their memories by reading and learning about their stories near the anniversary of their sacrifices. Anyone of Irish heritage or interested in Irish history will find this book informative.' - Betty Strohecker
'Written in a simple and accessible style, with human interest stories that brought out the essence of each of the personalities'
Damien Tiernan, RTE,