Description

The late 1790s saw Dublin transformed into a hotbed of revolutionary paranoia, secret societies, and underground warfare. In Revolutionary Dublin 1795–1801, eminent historian Thomas Bartlett presents a magnificent collection of primary source documents: the private, confidential intelligence letters of Francis Higgins—the infamous “Sham Squire”—sent directly to the British administration at Dublin Castle.

Higgins ran a highly sophisticated network of informants that successfully infiltrated the Society of United Irishmen. His letters provide a gritty, immediate look at the preparation for the 1798 Rebellion, detailing hidden weapon caches, secret tavern meetings, and the betrayal of iconic leaders like Lord Edward Fitzgerald. Bartlett’s brilliant annotations and historical introduction transform these raw spy reports into a thrilling, real-life espionage narrative that exposes the deep underbelly of revolutionary Dublin.

Why this is an essential historical text:

• Unedited Primary Evidence: Reads like a historic thriller, offering direct access to the actual spy files of the era.

• Masterful Scholarship: Edited by Thomas Bartlett, guaranteeing elite historical accuracy and context.

• Deep City History: A fascinating read for anyone wanting to discover the dark, rebellious past of Dublin’s historic streets.