Public-domain ebook
Language: en1,223 downloads on Project Gutenberg
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In: Biographies·History - British·History - European
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #14374.
Stephen L. Gwynn’s work is a scholarly memoir that draws on the private papers of John Redmond, made available by Redmond’s son, Major William Archer Redmond, and sanctioned by Mrs Redmond herself. The author makes clear from the outset that he bears sole responsibility for the narrative and its judgments, positioning the book as a focused study of Redmond’s policies during the First World War and the turbulent events that followed in Ireland. The opening pages outline the author’s intent to examine Redmond’s final years as a distinct phase, requiring a separate analysis of his political decisions, the Home Rule Bill of 1912, the rise of volunteer forces, and the Easter Rising, all set against the broader backdrop of the Irish Parliamentary Party’s history.
Written in a measured, early‑20th‑century academic style, the text combines detailed biographical sketching with extensive political commentary. Gwynn’s prose is formal yet accessible, reflecting his background as a contemporary observer and participant in Irish public life. Readers with an interest in Irish history, the Home Rule movement, or the interplay between nationalism and the Great War will find the book’s meticulous documentation and nuanced perspective rewarding, while those seeking a more narrative‑driven biography may prefer a different approach.
The opening · free to read
In writing this book, I have had access to my late leader's papers for the period beginning with the war. These were placed at my disposal by his son, Major William Archer Redmond, D.S.O., M.P. I had also the consent of Mrs. Redmond to my undertaking the task. But for the book and for the opinions expressed in it I am solely responsible. No condition having been imposed upon me, it seemed best, for many reasons, that it should be written, as it has been written, without consultation.
A writer in whom such a trust has been placed may well be at a loss how to express his gratitude, but can never convey the measure of his anxiety. From those who cherish Redmond's memory, and especially from those who were nearest to him in comradeship and affection, I must only crave the indulgence which should be accorded to sincere effort. Differences of interpretation there will be in any review of past events, and others can claim with justice that on many points they were better situated for full understanding than was I. Yet for the period which is specially studied, if there is failure in comprehension it cannot be excused by lack of opportunity to be thoroughly informed.
To readers at large I would say this--that if any sentence in these pages be uncandid or ungenerous, it is most unworthy to be found in the record of such a man.
S.G.
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