When the outbreak of World War I delayed Home Rule for Ireland, a faction of Irish nationalists took direct action. On Easter Monday 1916, a rebellion was launched from the steps of the Dublin General Post Office and the existence of an Irish Republic proclaimed. The British drove the rebels back in violet street fighting until they surrendered on 29 April. The leaders of the Rising were tried by court martial: 15 were summarily executed and 3,500 'sympathizers' imprisoned. This book covers this milestone in Anglo-Irish history in detail, examining the politics behind the Easter Rising and the tactics employed to counter it.

Question of Home Rule --'Ulster shall fight' -- Curragh incident -- A call to arms -- Voyage of the Asgard -- First shots -- Opposing Commanders 17 -- Rebels -- British -- Opposing Armies 21 -- Rebels -- British -- Orders of battle -- Opposing Plans 28 -- Rebels -- British -- Battle 32 -- Last-minute changes -- Monday 24 April - a city taken unawares Tuesday 25 April - the noose begins to tighten -- Sherwood Foresters Wednesday 26 April - plans and blunders -- Irish Thermopylae Thursday 27 April - a city in flames -- Friday 28 April - the beginning of the end Saturday 29 April - surrender -- Aftermath 89 -- Battlefield Today 92.