The notion of violence as a commonplace aspect of both Irish political and social life in the 20th century. From the Easter Rebellion in 1916, to the IRA and their paramilitary efforts; violence, on a state sponsored as well as in extra-military affairs, has persistently served to shape life in Ireland. From the center of this conflict and turmoil arose a young military man, Michael Collins. In his detailed account, Michael Collins: The Man Who Made Ireland, author Tim Pat Coogan outlines Collins ascent from his youth to his ultimate place in Irish history. Collins rose the ranks in a few short years to become one of the most influential and powerful men in all of