Few leaders in history have been as mythologized as Michael Collins. Before his death at 31, he had fought in the Easter Rising, organized the IRA and out-spied British intelligence, negotiated the Anglo-Irish Treaty, and run the first independent government in Ireland.

Peter Hart's groundbreaking biography restores humanity to this mythical figure. Drawing on previously unknown sources, delving into Collins's pre-revolutionary past, and assessing the methods--and the costs--of his rise to power, Mick reveals a man of often ruthless ambition, more politician than soldier, whose friendships went no farther than his interests. A work as thrilling as it is authoritative.