Great Hatred: The Assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson MP

Sir Henry Wilson, a former head of the British army and a key figure in winning the First World War, was shot and killed by two Irish Republicans in 1922, which was the most significant political murder on British soil for over a century. The assassination triggered the Irish Civil War and cast a dark shadow over the new Irish State. The book explores the motives behind the killing, Wilson's role in the Northern Ireland government, and the aftermath, including the tragic death of Michael Collins two months later.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

A captivating exploration into one of Ireland's most enigmatic historical mysteries, Great Hatred unveils the shocking truth behind one of the most significant political assassinations ever to have occurred on British soil.

This meticulously researched and gripping narrative delves deep into the events surrounding the assassination of Sir Henry Wilson, the former head of the British army and a key figure in winning the First World War. On June 22, 1922, Wilson was shot and killed by two veterans of that war who had turned to the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

What makes this assassination particularly intriguing is the fact that the assassins were well-educated and pious men. One of them had lost a leg during the Battle of Passchendaele. The shooting sent shockwaves through British society, causing consternation in the government and raising the possibility of renewed conflict between Britain and Ireland, which had just concluded a peace treaty five months prior.

The assassination of Wilson also had far-reaching consequences for Ireland. It triggered the Irish Civil War, a brutal and bloody conflict that lasted for several years and cast a dark shadow over the newly established Irish State. The war pitted Irish nationalists against British forces, and it was marked by widespread violence and political instability.

The motivations behind Wilson's killing remain a subject of debate and speculation. Some argue that he was killed because of his role in the Northern Ireland government and his support for British rule in Ireland. Others suggest that he was targeted because of his imperialist policies and his opposition to Irish independence.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the story is the role played by Michael Collins, a prominent Irish nationalist and leader of the IRA. Collins risked his life to sign a peace treaty with Britain, which ended the Irish Civil War. However, his decision to do so was controversial, and some IRA members believed that he had betrayed the cause of Irish independence.

Great Hatred is a compelling and informative book that sheds light on one of the most significant events in Irish history. It is a forensic investigation that combines historical analysis with compelling storytelling, making it accessible to a wide audience. The book is filled with unseen evidence and previously unpublished documents, providing a fresh perspective on this tragic event.

In conclusion, the assassination of Sir Henry Wilson remains one of Ireland's most enigmatic historical mysteries. Through the lens of Great Hatred, we gain a deeper understanding of the events that led to this tragic assassination and its far-reaching consequences for Ireland and the world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish history, politics, and the complexities of the Irish Civil War.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571372829
Edition number: Main