Between 1916 and 1923 Ireland experienced a political, as well as a military revolution. This book examines how, after the Easter Rising of 1916, radical revolutionaries formed a precarious coalition with (relatively) moderate politicians, and offers a sustained analysis of the political organisation of Irish republicanism during a crucial period. The new Sinn Féin party routed its enemies, co-operated uneasily with the underground Irish government, which it had helped to create, and achieved most of its objectives before disintegrating in 1922. Its rapid collapse should not distract from its achievements - in particular its role in 'democratising' the Irish revolution. Its successors have dominated the political life of independent Ireland. The book studies in detail the party's membership and ideology, and also its often tense relationship with the Irish Republican Army. A final chapter examines the fluctuating careers of the later Sinn Féin parties throughout the rest of the twentieth century.

'Laffan's history … is the product of massive and particular scholarship. It is elegantly written and clearly constructed … No student or enthusiast on the subject can in future ignore Laffan's work.'

Michael Hopkinson Source: History

'[Laffan] demonstrates mastery of archival materials along with a crisp writing style … Laffan here has established his place amongst the front ranks of Irish political historians.'

Seán Farrell Moran Source: Irish Literary Supplement

'The Resurrection of Ireland is a valuable study of a genuinely under-explored and fascinating area ... Laffan has consulted a vast range of sources, and it is difficult to see his work being replaced as the standard text on the Sinn Féin party.'

Senia Paseta Source: Irish Historical Studies

'… a magisterial work, based on an exhaustive reading of the primary and secondary sources, written in clear prose and enlivened with touches of humour … a rich and satisfying book.'

D. George Boyce Source: English Historical Review

‘Dr Michael Laffan's new book, The Resurrection of Ireland, should be read by all Republicans of a critical or analytical mind.'

D. R. O'Connor Lysaght Source: Irish Republican Writers' Group

'… accomplished and polished … Laffan handles a wide variety of sources with skill and sound judgement.'

David Fitzpatrick Source: History Ireland

'This book is a scrupulously fair and balanced account of Sinn Féin's rise and fall and deserves to become one of the key standard works on the period.'

Stephen Collins Source: Sunday Tribune

'A scholarly but very readable book.'

Source: Irish Times