A series of specially commissioned essays, written by some of Ireland's leading historians (academic and popular), on the contribution made by Michael Collins to the making of the Irish state. This is a professional evaluation of Michael Collins which brings to light his multi-faceted and complex character. The contributors examine Collins as Minister for Finance, his role in intelligence, his policy towards the north, his career as Commander-in-Chief, the origins of the Civil War, his relationship with de Valera and how academics view his place in Irish history. The volume is illustrated with an eight page plate section of photographs from private family archives, from Military Archives and from the Examiner in order to give the book added scholarly and popular appeal.