The Spirit of Revolution: Ireland from Below, 1917–23 offers a genuinely refreshing perspective on Ireland’s revolutionary period. Each of the fourteen chapters thoughtfully align with the book’s title, providing a cohesive and engaging exploration of the era. This collection of regional and local case studies convincingly demonstrates that a genuine ‘spirit of revolution’ existed in Ireland during this period. By focusing on specific counties and areas—such as Castlecomer in Co. Kilkenny, Galway, the Munster Soviets, Sligo, and Kerry (to name a few)—as well as on themes like maritime activity, women’s activism, and workers’ mobilization, the volume brings to light the diverse local grievances and tensions that fuelled revolutionary sentiment. The broader, global context is effectively set in the opening chapter, notably through the provocative words of David Lloyd George, the last Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, who observed that between 1917 and 1922, amid the emergence of new nation-states, ‘it was inevitable that the previous order of things would be questioned’ (p. 7).

The introduction does more than simply set the stage for the chapters that follow—it actively challenges the dominant narrative of the Irish Revolution. It argues that much of the existing historiography has tended to overlook grassroots protests and popular seizures in favour of a narrower focus on the political demand for independence. In doing so, it invites a reconsideration of what has been remembered—and, importantly, what has been forgotten—in the shaping of national memory. For example, in light of the Catholic Church’s powerful role in post-independence Ireland, the authors raise the critical question: what was acceptable to remember? The introduction also reflects on the political legacy of the revolutionary period, noting that both main parties that went on to dominate Irish politics (Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael) emerged from the revolution itself. It asks whether this fact has influenced how the revolution has been interpreted over time.

The chapters in the volume respond to these challenges by illuminating the struggles of workers—both rural and urban—along with small farmers and trade unions. Through detailed studies, such as the wave of strikes and grassroots activism, the volume gets into the nitty gritty of lived experience during this transformative period. For instance, the opening chapter on the Castlecomer coalfield in Co. Kilkenny explores the social relationships among mine workers, placing their experiences within a wider colonial and imperial context. Other chapters explore how community sentiment—whether support or anger—could spark agrarian action, especially when small farmers felt entitled to land held in large estates within their own localities. Another chapter investigates the mobilization of agricultural labourers in Co. Sligo to highlight the role of class and labour in the wider revolutionary dynamic of a local area.  This chapter particularly brings to light that this region really is a microcosm of the Irish revolution because of the interplay of class, gender, ideology and nationalism in Ireland at this time.

Ordinary workers and trade unions are very much part of the story told in this volume, with thoughtful analysis of workplace-based movements such as the Munster soviets that emerged in 1922. By examining the economic life of various regions and looking closely at business and labour dynamics, the book situates the revolution within the broader context of the working-class struggle. There are some particularly sharp insights—for example, how the intensity of fighting between the IRA and British forces in Munster temporarily dampened class conflict, which then resurfaced after the truce. Another important point is how IRA activity, including the suppression of strikes, had direct consequences for agricultural labourers contributing in some areas to the escalation of class tensions and violence. Union militancy was not limited to men. Women’s activism is given focused attention, particularly in a chapter that examines three forms of militancy in Co. Kerry. While the revolutionary period opened up more opportunities for women to engage in public life, their activities largely conformed to the limits of prevailing social norms. These limits—and how women navigated or challenged them—are illustrated through some compelling and carefully chosen examples.

Some little known stories are awakened in this volume such as that of Dublin Brigade’s ‘Q’ Company that was made up of ships’ officers, sailors, stokers, dockers and carters. These workers played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in the revolution, transporting communications, funds, and weapons across North America, Europe, and Britain. The focus on the activities of Irish republican activists based in Liverpool and New York, shows how those working at sea gathered intelligence, while women operated safehouses, passed on messages, and smuggled arms. The Liverpool case study explores how local politics were deeply divided along religious lines, while in New York, the Irish—mainly working-class dockers living in neighbourhoods like Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen—rallied support among Irish and other workers, mirroring the dynamics seen in Liverpool. What this chapter makes especially clear is that the Irish revolutionary movement cannot be fully understood without placing it within the broader context of global radicalism during this period.

Local and regional history allows us to understand history as it played out in specific geographical areas—such as towns, counties, or provinces—rather than focusing solely on national or international narratives. This volume has examined how broader historical processes—such as revolution and social change—though influenced by, and situated within, global and national contexts, were experienced, shaped, and at times either supported or resisted at the grassroots level. One of the strengths of this collection is how it challenges established historiography by bringing fresh perspectives, new source material, and original findings into play. While a brief review cannot cover or do justice to every chapter, each contribution offers compelling, well-supported arguments and brings us closer to the lived experience of ordinary people during this transformative time. What stands out is the variety and quality of scholarship on display. The volume brings together both established and emerging historians and covers a wide range of events—some of major national significance, others more locally rooted or fleeting. Yet all are presented with clarity, careful research, and a strong sense of purpose, making the collection both accessible and thought-provoking.  The only notable limitation that comes to mind upon reading this volume is that the reader is left wishing for further studies that prioritise the local or regional perspective, because this approach effectively captures the spirit of the Irish revolution.

This is a volume that will appeal to a broad audience: scholars, undergraduate and postgraduate students, members of local historical societies, and anyone with an interest in how revolutionary change was experienced at the local or regional level by both men and women. Most importantly, it reminds us that the story of Ireland’s revolution was not just shaped in Dublin or London, but also in small towns, rural communities, and workplaces across the country—and beyond.

Biography

Dr Elaine Callinan is the Programme Director, BA & BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities and MA & PhD in Irish Regional History and lecturer in Modern Irish History at Carlow College, St Patrick’s. The focus of her research is how politicians and political parties campaigned in elections during the revolutionary period in Ireland and its impact on the ordinary citizen. Her first book, Electioneering and Propaganda in Ireland 1917 – 1921 was published in 2020.