Reviews'An extremely interesting biographical study, written with a light and sensitive hand, which skilfully paints a credible portrait of a complex and elusive character.' Eunan O’Halpin, Trinity College Dublin '[An] ... elegantly written and penetrating study of MacBride’s early career... Nic Dháibhéid’s book charts [MacBride's] life up to the formation of Clann na Poblachta, in 1946, tracing with a ... Read morefine, forensic touch his precocious involvement in the republican struggle... What emerges is distinctly new.' Roy Foster, Irish Times 'A welcome addition to the literature on twentieth-century Ireland in general and MacBride in particular. It makes a significant contribution to our understanding of his early years. The book is also essential reading for anyone interested in the revolutionary period and the IRA's relationship with the new state after independence.' Ciara Meehan, Irish Literary Supplement 'This book focuses on his fragmented childhood when, as a teenage boy, he saw his mother imprisoned and had his first battles with authority. Nic Dhábhéid’s book not only throws fascinating light on MacBride’s formative years, but also on the bitter internal struggles of the IRA, leading to the torture of its alcoholic chief of staff, Stephen Hayes, and the brutal murder of Wexford man Michael Devereux.' Sunday Business Post 'Nic Dhaibheid’s impressive and important new study now stands as the essential work on MacBride’s equally fascinating early years.' Journal of British Studies, Vol. 51, No. 4 Show Less