I wish there was something about this guy I didn't like.  I thought perhaps this book would expose some faults with him;  isolationist, socialist. He was neither. Collins was a Classic Liberal in every sense of the word; a proponent of national pride, low taxes, free trade, and minimal government intrusion on private life. This book gave excellent insight into the person, policies, intelligence, and exceptional leadership abilities of Michael Collins.  Although short (83 pages) it was filled with much history and background of Irish independence, the Treaty, the coming civil war, and the cause of the Troubles.  Can't help to think 'what if' had he not been assasinated how much more quickly Ireland would have become powerful in all ways, and possibly even united with the northeastern counties of Northern Ireland.Thought it was interesting how he cited often the examples of Canada and South Africa and their route to independence from Britain.