A rather niche exploration of events surrounding the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, from the end of WWI through the 1920s and 30s. It is a fascinating topic, but personally I found it a bit more in-depth in certain areas than I needed, and a bit too dry at times.
However, if you really want to deep dive into some of these niche topics, I'd highly recommend it.

This was a well researched and well thought out book. I learned a lot here as more than just the war of independence and civil war were dealt with. I can see myself referring back to this book regularly in the future such is the scope of Gibney’s research into this era. It wasn’t too taxing either, the language was well chosen and the subject matter well delivered. It was however quite long so it took me a while to get through it, but it was comprehensive. I give this book 3.5 stars.

Despite the number of pages, this was a lengthy read for me as the subject matter explored some very singular events and subjects that are an extension of the Irish Civil War of the 1920s.

This is niche content covering off specialised areas within the remit of Irish history. If you have no background in this subject matter, you will find it hard going as the authors of this collection of essays assume a prior and intimate knowledge.

"... experts on the subject explore the experience and consequences of the latter phases of the Irish revolution from a wide range of perspectives ..." and topics covered range from a look at the files of the RIC collated within Dublin Castle; the Black and Tans; flirtations with Bolshevism and Fascism; the murder of the Mayor of Cork and the burning of Cork City from the perspective of the Fire Brigade; the use and fate of informers; social issues like the postal strike, the moratorium of public amusements as a form of protest, and a cricket match; before finishing off with a look at the women of Cumann na MBan.

For those for whom this is a particular area of study, this will make a nice addition to your required reading.