An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 35 author: Michael Barry Publisher: Andalus Press (October 2015) http://andalus.ie/ ISBN: 978-0956038395 Price: €25 H/B Pages: 208 On the 28th April 1916, in an official communiqué issued by James Connolly, the words, 'Courage Boys We are Winning,' were included to give the Irish Forces encouragement as they held on to a number of strategic positions throughout Dublin city. The newly declared Irish Republic would be short lived as British Forces engaged the Irish Volunteers with rifle, machine-gun and artillery fire. In his latest work, historian Michael Barry has written a comprehensive and engaging read resulting in an excellent illustrated history of Easter week 1916. The author weaves his well researched narrative around the photographs, an effective method in keeping the reader absorbed in a work that provides a detailed account of events as well as being an easy read. The imagery is excellent throughout and what is particularly striking is when modern photographs of the city's battlefields are put alongside period black and white shots, bringing the events of that momentous week to life. While many readers will be attracted to this work because of its excellent photographic collection, Barry has also managed to include a large number of previously unseen sketches, maps and official documentation that contributes greatly to the story of the Rising and those involved. One in particular is a sketch of a Volunteer in position at Marrowbone Lane that vividly brings to life the waiting for battle that many soldiers experience. Michael Barry's publication is outstanding and this highly recommended work will be an essential addition to the libraries of those interested in this turbulent period in Irish history. Po'b COuRagE BOyS WE aRE WINNINg aN ILLuSTRaTEd hISTORy OF ThE 1916 RISINg author: Neil Richardson Publisher: The Collins Press (October 2015) collinspress.ie ISBN: 978-1848892149 Price: €15.99 Pages: 440 During the Rising of 1916, a small force of Republicans faced the might of the British Empire as they fought to declare Ireland an independent state. Often overlooked, until now that is, is that many Irishmen faced fellow country men during that insurrection. Thousands of British soldiers in the Rising were Irishmen having enlisted for a number of reasons that included, the fight for Home Rule, Ulster Unionism, and adventure or to escape from poverty. None imagined that they would be facing their fellow citizens in combat on the streets of Dublin city. According to their Lights, Stories of Irishmen in the British Army, Easter 1916, written by renowned author and historian Neil Richardson, is a detailed account of British Forces during that turbulent week in Irish history. While many historians are familiar with the various Irish Regiments that took part, Richardson looks in detail at the individual soldiers, their lives and their actions during that week. While the exploits of Captain J. Bowen-Colthurst and his involvement in the murders of a number of innocent civilians are well documented by the author the book also examines the lives of other less well known participants. Often a forgotten part of Ireland's history, the stories of these men and their deployment in Dublin is a fascinating insight into the mindset of those tasked with putting down the insurrection. This book is a well researched, well written and a compelling account of Irishmen in Khaki fighting in Dublin. Neil Richardson has produced a very original piece of work that is a welcome addition to the military history of 1916. Highly recommended. Po'b aCCORdINg TO ThEIR LIghTS STORIES OF IRIShMEN IN ThE BRITISh aRMy, EaSTER 1916 author: Chuck Dixon Publisher: Bruno Books 1st edition (January 2014) aSIN: B00HzOLAHG Price: €4.50 Pages: 326 Book 2 in Chuck Dixon's new sci- fi series. Having made millions from their first trip back in time to prehistoric Nevada, by retrieving the ancient gold to fund a new time travelling tube. Now the Taubers, Morris and Caroline along with Dwayne, Chaz, Jimbo and their other Army Ranger buddies try and stay off the grid whilst planning their next trip back in time. This time they go back to ancient Greece, and the time of Pirates roaming the Mediterranean Sea. Equipped with ancient philosopher treasure papers, they plan to hide on a Greek Island in wait for the location of the buried treasure. Things don't go to plan and between a poisonous snakebite and being held prisoner on a pirate ship and going into battle with the same Pirates to save their very lives. The team go on one hell of a swashbuckling adventure, with mystery and intrigue around every page turn; this is another great series from Chuck. WF BLOOd REd TIdE Bad TIMES #2

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