Description

Arthur Griffith is a major scholarly biography of one of the most influential figures in modern Irish history. Written by acclaimed historian Owen McGee, the book explores the life and career of Arthur Griffith (1871–1922), the journalist, political thinker, founder of Sinn Féin, President of Dáil Éireann, and chairman of the Irish delegation that negotiated the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. Based on extensive archival research, McGee offers a fresh interpretation of Griffith’s political philosophy and his central role in Ireland’s struggle for independence.

The biography traces Griffith’s journey from his working-class upbringing in Dublin to his emergence as one of Ireland’s leading nationalist intellectuals. It examines his work as a newspaper editor, his advocacy of economic nationalism, the development of Sinn Féin’s policy of abstentionism, and his leadership during the revolutionary years. McGee also explores Griffith’s relationships with many of the era’s key political and cultural figures while placing his ideas within the wider context of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Irish politics. Particular attention is given to his role in the Treaty negotiations, the difficult compromises that followed, and the lasting impact of his vision for Irish self-government.

Combining rigorous historical scholarship with an accessible narrative, Arthur Griffith restores one of Ireland’s founding statesmen to his rightful place in history. Essential reading for anyone interested in Irish politics, the Irish Revolution, Sinn Féin, and the individuals who shaped the modern Irish state, this biography provides a balanced and insightful account of a complex and influential leader.