An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 36 | Authors: Ronnie Daly & Paul O'Brien Publisher: A Defence Forces Publication, (November 2018) Printed by Defence Forces Printing Press Those of us that have been fortunate enough to have been given a guided tour of McKee Barracks by former member of the Defence Forces, Ronnie Daly, know of his wealth of knowledge on the barracks and those that lived and worked within its confines. A Concise History of McKee Barracks is Ronnie's first book and with it he has dispelled many of the myths associated with the barracks and set a very high standard for future barrack histories. Formally known as Marlborough Barracks, the book takes in the conception of the complex, the construction of the barracks and the initial occupation by British Forces in the 1880s. This is very interesting and some research has gone into these particular chapters as the author describes the daily lives of those serving and the barrack routines at that time. Of particular interest is the cavalry trooper's preparation for inspection and the 'spit and polish' required for various parades. The book also takes in turbulent periods in our nation's history such as the Rising, the War of Independence, the Civil War and the handing over of the barracks to the National Army. The decades that followed are also covered, with the history continuing up to modern day. Daly has enlisted Military Historian and regular contributor to An Cosantóir, Paul O'Brien, whose writing skills make this publication a very easy and enjoyable read. Both authors, Daly and O'Brien, must be commended for this work and I hope that this book, its content and layout, will be a template for future barrack histories as a series is long over due. PC A CONCISE HISTORY OF MCKEE BARRACKS KILKENNY: IN TIMES OF REVOLUTION 1900-1923 Authors: Philip Parker, R.G. Grant, Andrew Humphreys, with foreword by Sir Tony Robinson Publisher: Dorling Kindersley / Penguin Random House Publishing (September 2018) www.dk.com ISBN: 978-0241301937 Pages: 256 Price: €30 Hardback This glossy, coffee table book, is a lavishly illustrated guide to over 90 of the world's most significant battles. Containing colour and black and white photographs and plates this work brings to life numerous battles that impacted upon the history of the world. In five chronological sections, Battles That Changed History explores the battles that shaped global history – from the ancient world to World War 1, the cold war and beyond. Each battle is given its own chapter and is accompanied by photographs, maps and drawings that tell the story behind the battle, why it happened, and the lasting historical impact it left on those involved and the world in general. Some of the battles covered are Actium (31BCE), the Siege of Jerusalem (1099), Naseby (1645), Balaklava (1854) and Stalingrad (1942-43). The book shows readers how fateful decisions led to glorious victories or crushing defeats, whilst specially commissioned maps explain how the battles unfolded. Key military leaders are also profiled that include Alexander the Great, Napoleon and Rommel. With Christmas just around the corner this book would make an ideal gift for the novice military historian. P O'B BATTLES THAT CHANGED HISTORY Author: Eoin Swithin Walsh Publisher: Merrion Press, (Auust 2018) www.irishacademicpress.ie ISBN: 978-1785371974 Pages: 350 Price: €19.99 PB In recent months there have been a number of books published that centre on a particular county and their involvement in Ireland's struggle for independence. Kilkenny: In Times of Revolution 1900-1923 comes under this category. The author sets out to dispel many myths that arose during this turbulent period, one in particular being veteran IRA leader Ernie O'Malley's criticism of County Kilkenny, when he accused its volunteers as being 'slack' during the War of Independence. Though local histories are often overlooked they hold a wealth of information for historians everywhere and this book is no exception. Making the use of good archival material such as the Bureau of Military History Statements, newspapers and collections in the National Archives, the story of the county has been painstakingly put together. This gives the reader an almost first hand experience of what went on almost one hundred years ago in County Kilkenny. Of particular interest are the casualty lists for the War of Independence and the Civil War. There are a number of black and white photos as well as an excellent map of Kilkenny City depicting the battle for the city during the Civil War. Though this book is academic in layout, the author states that it has been written with the aim of being accessible to all readers and this he has achieved. This well researched and well written book comes highly recommended. P O'B

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