Advertisements for republicanism/nationalism?

[Seamus]

I have read/reread three books over the last week or so which have been (Guerilla Days In Ireland by Tom Barry,My Fight For Irish Freedom by Dan Breen and On Another Man's Wound by Ernie O Malley).

As a result i was wondering which book was the best advertisement for nationalism or republicanism then and now?And who's style of writing would be the best?
I like all three for entirely different reasons but id say Guerilla Days would shade it if i had to chose.

If someone else has another alternative fine but these three would be widely accepted as the best from the tan war era.
Id hope this discussion wont reflect on the issues facing us now and descend into an argument.

[Risteard]

I like all three for entirely different reasons but id say Guerilla Days would shade it if i had to chose.

It is indeed a great read, and I am privileged to have a copy signed by Comdt-Gen. Tom Barry.

[Seánod]

"On Another Man's Wound" is my favourite of the three mentioned. It's a long time since I read them all (an uncle of mine who passed away some years ago gave them to me to read in 1981 when I was still a teenager)... but O'Malley's evolution from a volunteer who seemed to have a problem opening fire first, to a man who seen the necessity for a roadside execution and had become steeled enough to see it through, and the massive difficulties he faced in getting around the country to try and shake some areas into a semblence of military resistance was informative for me. His second book "The Singing Flame" was also very very good, about the Civil War period.

[Doylers]

I would agree about Guerilla Days as being the best of those days.
As for a more recent book, I am reading the Ruairi O Bradaigh biography at the moment, and I'm finding it an excellent read. A more highly republican principled man I doubt you could find.

[Risteard]

As for a more recent book, I am reading the Ruairi O Bradaigh biography at the moment, and I'm finding it an excellent read.

It is indeed an excellent read. Incidentally, I also have a signed copy of it.

I like signed copies of books, and have quite a collection...

[MartinP]

I've read My Fight For Irish Freedom, and thought it was very good. I can't compare it to the other two as I haven't yet read them (despite my good intentions over the years to get copies).

I'm currently reading Ruairi O'Bradaigh - The Life and Politics of an Irish Revolutionary. It's equally as good. Unfortunately my copy hasn't been signed by the subject, yet.

That signed copy of Barry's book sounds like it's worth nicking though

[Twin Towers]

"On another mans wound" is a great read, conversational in tone and bringing to life the condition of the country at the time. O'Malley moves from being initially sceptical of the rebel cause to becoming a leading participant, ably describing the changes within himself. A must reread.

[Indyjoe]

Of the three Ernie O'Malley is certainly the best writer. He has a love for the countryside and the people, and I think has a natural writer's ability. He was once described as a strange character, on the run in Ireland with a pistol in one pocket and a book of poetry in the other.

[Eddy]

I've read Guerrilla Days and The Singing Flame, and some of My Fight...My favorite is Tom barry's book...I think he's the easiest read, (I found myself reading 100 pages a day...a lot for me!) and he's definitely the least embittered, most modest and impartial, (he doesnt even badmouth the Tans...well...except the essex regiment).

[cain1798]

History of the Irish working class by Peter Beresford Ellis
Link

Ireland her own by TA Jackson
Link

Republicanism and nationalism are not, btw, synnonymous as the title implies.