Description

Sinn Fein Rebellion Handbook Irish 1916 Rising

Rare Sinn Fein Rebellion Handbook,

second (1917) edition, 240 pages approx. Some foxing and staining to covers otherwise v good. Scarce.

 

The Sinn Féin Rebellion Handbook (Irish Times, 1917)

The Sinn Féin Rebellion Handbook: Easter, 1916 is a genuine historical publication issued in 1917 by the Weekly Irish Times. Despite its title, it is not a handbook produced by Sinn Féin, nor is it an instructional guide for rebellion. Rather, it is a contemporary compilation of newspaper reporting and official material relating to the 1916 Easter Rising.

Background and Title

At the time, British authorities and much of the press mistakenly attributed the Easter Rising to Sinn Féin, leading to the widespread but inaccurate description of the events as the “Sinn Féin Rebellion.” The handbook’s title reflects this contemporary misunderstanding rather than the actual organizers of the Rising.

Content and Purpose

The book brings together Irish Times coverage from 1916–1917 into a single volume, presenting a detailed narrative of the Rising and its aftermath. It was intended as a reference work for readers seeking a comprehensive account of events, rather than as political propaganda or a tactical manual.

The handbook includes:

  • A chronological narrative of the Rising in Dublin and elsewhere

  • Lists of casualties, including civilians, British forces, and rebels

  • Names and details of those arrested, imprisoned, or interned

  • Photographs and portraits of key figures

  • Official documents, proclamations, and military dispatches

  • Accounts of courts-martial and executions, including Roger Casement’s trial

  • Biographical notes and an index of individuals involved

Historical Value

Today, the Sinn Féin Rebellion Handbook is regarded as an important primary source, offering insight into how the Easter Rising was reported and interpreted immediately after the events. While it reflects the political perspective and language of the Irish Times at the time, it remains valuable for historians, genealogists, and researchers studying the Rising and its consequences.

Availability

Original copies are held in major libraries, including the National Library of Ireland, and the book has been reprinted in modern editions. In some cases, digital scans are also available through archival and research collections.