Redmond – A Life Undone: The Definitive Biography of John Redmond, the Forgotten Hero of Irish Politics

By Chris Dooley

Dramatic and immersive, Redmond is a provocative reassessment of John Redmond, Home Rule campaigner and one of Ireland’s most brilliant political minds.

‘A vivid portrayal of one of the great political campaigns in Irish history.’
Stephen Collins, Political Editor, The Irish Times

Redmond brings to life seven pivotal years in Irish history, when the campaign for Home Rule seized the imagination of a nation and brought Ireland to the brink of a negotiated settlement with Britain. The architect of this campaign was John Redmond, the shrewd and assured leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party.

Opening with euphoric scenes on Dublin’s O’Connell St when tens of thousands assembled in support of Home Rule, Redmond charts the Irish Party leader’s path from power broker in the British parliament in 1910, when Home Rule for Ireland seemed a fait accompli, to public enemy by 1917, when, in the wake of World War I, Irish nationalist politics migrated from the parliamentary chamber to the barricade.

Redmond succeeds in weaving a complex portrait of a forgotten hero of Irish politics and the personalities – from Churchill to Carson, de Valera to Lloyd George – who aided and, ultimately, frustrated his life’s work.

‘At last, a biography that recognises the role played by Redmond in the creation of modern Ireland. Chris Dooley brings the man and his times vividly to life in this excellent account. Full of intelligence and sympathy, it is a book that deserves to be read by anyone who wants to understand how our country came into being.’
Fergal Keane, BBC

‘A gripping story which skilfully weaves considerable research and telling details to illuminate the story of Redmond and Home Rule.’
David McCullagh, RTÉ

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gill & Macmillan
• Release date: Sep 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9780717165803

Chris Dooley

Chris Dooley is a journalist at The Irish Times. He joined the newspaper in 1997 and is currently foreign editor, having previously held posts including opinion editor, deputy news editor and south-east correspondent. Prior to joining The Irish Times, he was a reporter at the Irish Press group. Redmond: A Life Undone is his first book. From Co. Offaly, he lives in Stoneybatter, Dublin.