Reviews

• Although it's true there are a lot of scanned documents in this book, there's still PLENTY of text to make it well worth the price. This is, finally, the objective assessment of DeV so desperately needed after a generation of clearly biased biographies which surfaced after his death. Ferriter addresses these recent biographies and shows their lack of objectively, backing up his points with the recently-released documents. I've read 6-8 biographies of DeV now; this one is clearly one of the best. Thank you Mr. Ferriter.

• A ton of primary documents have been reproduced in this book, as though Ferriter is concerned that the reader, rather than himself, should do the judging. For this reason alone, the book is a gem.

• A highly informative book. The author has gone to great lengths to debunk the more ridiculous claims of revisionist historians.

• I discovered many facets of DeValera that I didn’t know. The book and the included notes, memos and letters provide a clearer picture of the man. Easy to read and makes a good reference book.

• Judging DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter is an excellent history written about the much over-looked Irish statesman of the 20th century, Eamon De Valera. My mind was made up long ago about Dev, but I have continued to read about him including both those who favor him and those who do not. I think that Ferriter was very careful in presenting both sides of the DEV argument throughout the book. Judging DEV is the most objective book I have read on this subject. Not that anyone can be purely objective but the author of Judging DEV attempts to be an historian with a topic that most have not dealt with in an objective manner. The period of the Civil War in Ireland especially left many polarized into the DEV and Anti-DEV camps. I am convinced that after reading Judging DEV one can come away with the picture of Eamon De Valera as being the Washington of Ireland -indeed the founder of the Republic. Ferriter gently guides the reader in that direction after inspecting key periods of time and aspects of De Valera's career. What impressed me is that DEV really was what you saw him portrayed - Courageous, full of integrity, disciplined, focused on key principles, and in love with his country. The history portrays the little known personal side of DEV which only further enhances his stature - a loving caring husband, father and grandfather. After 367 pages of thoughtful history drawing out different perspectives, intentionally unbiased by 21st century paradigms, we see the author's conclusion about DEV in his final paragraph: "The caricature of him as stern, remote and technocratic is a myth, as revealed by his personal correspondence and the affection and loyalty that he inspired in so many. He also displayed exceptional physical and mental stamina and endurance; nobody would have predicted that the politically and physically isolated figure in Arbour Hill Psion in 1923, would, 50 years later, be near the end of his second term as president of Ireland, having served as Taoiseach for 20 years. That 50--year journey was made by a unique politician, and a noble one." Thank you - Diarmaid Ferriter-for introducing Eamon De Valera to a new generation by such a skillful and delightful history.

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