There has been surprise at the number (and, in general, the quality) of books published recently about the Easter Rising.
This is yet another, printed on beautiful paper with the theme being the objects relating to the Rising currently on exhibition in the National Museum at Collins Barracks.
The photographs of the objects are accompanied by text explaining the background to that aspect of the Rising that the object exemplifies. Many of the objects had never been put on display before.
Blood-stained vest
There are handbills, guns, personal effects and even an anti-Home Rule salt cellar in the shape of an egg that “won’t hatch in Ulster”.
Perhaps the most poignant is James Connolly’s blood-stained vest showing where he was first wounded.
The excellent text also surveys past exhibitions of the Rising in the museum. It also refers to the central role played in the low-key commemorations in 1991 and 2006 by the Army as well as its lead in last year’s celebrations.
Anyone who might have entertained doubts before now knows who the real Óglaigh na h-Éireann is.
