Great Hatred
The Assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson MP
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Great Hatred
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Narrated by:
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Aidan Kelly
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By:
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Ronan McGreevy
About this listen
A gripping investigation into one of Irish history's greatest mysteries, Great Hatred reveals the true story behind one of the most significant political assassinations to ever have been committed on British soil.
On 22 June 1922, Sir Henry Wilson—the former head of the British army and one of those credited with winning the First World War—was shot and killed by two veterans of that war turned IRA members in what was the most significant political murder to have taken place on British soil for more than a century. His assassins were well-educated and pious men. One had lost a leg during the Battle of Passchendaele. Shocking British society to the core, the shooting caused consternation in the government and almost restarted the conflict between Britain and Ireland that had ended with the Anglo-Irish Treaty just five months earlier. Wilson's assassination triggered the Irish Civil War, which cast the darkest of shadows over the new Irish State.
Who ordered the killing? Why did two English-born Irish nationalists kill an Irish-born British imperialist? What was Wilson's role in the Northern Ireland government and the violence which matched the intensity of the Troubles 50 years later? Why would Michael Collins, who risked his life to sign a peace treaty with Great Britain, want one of its most famous soldiers dead, and how did the Wilson assassination lead to Collins' tragic death in an ambush two months later?
Drawing upon newly released archival material and never-before-seen documentation, Great Hatred is a revelatory work that sheds light on a moment that changed the course of Irish and British history for ever.
©2022 Ronan McGreevy (P)2022 Faber AudioListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Heart-stopping.... The book is both forensic and a page-turner, and ultimately deeply tragic, for Ireland as much as for the murder victim." (Michael Portillo)
"Thoughtful and well-researched [...] an important and valuable addition to the library of the Irish Revolution." (Professor Diarmaid Ferriter, University College Dublin)
What listeners say about Great Hatred
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 01-01-23
Well written and narrated book
Excellent research here on a fascinating and troubled time in Irish history.
Wilson was no angel.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- theantlion
- 08-10-22
Great analysis of a difficult era.
Irish history is fascinating, convoluted and difficult to understand from an outsiders perspective. Ronan McGreevy focuses on one event at a crucial time in this history and manages to wrinkle out some clarity. This is the first book on this subject I’ve listened to that actually makes sense. Usually there is so much going on I become lost in the detail. By focusing on a single event a lot of the noise is reduced. The narrators Irish brogue is mellifluous and a pleasure to listen to.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- S. Moorcroft
- 26-07-22
Engrossing History
The history of the birth of independent Ireland condensed into the narrative of one man's murder and its consequences. Well read and with a strong narrative backbone, occasionally repetitive and, like so many history books, too long. Still the history is fascinating and provides fresh insights into a troubled time.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- David Oliver
- 16-08-24
Outstanding piece of work.
An excellent account of British / Irish history that we are not taught in UK schools.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-05-23
Forgotten history
All English people interested in history tend to be veered away from how Irish history and politics are intertwined and need to listen to this book about the bigotry and prejudice place a large part
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Aucher
- 16-02-24
Informative and balanced
This is an excellent account, one that I reckon many of my fellow ‘Brits’ should read as it not only gives a full and well-thought out account about the event but also provides a whistle slop nevertheless comprehensive account of the Easter Rising, through the War of Independence to the Irish Civil War, and many of the consequences. Before reaching a sound conclusion there are fascinating perspectives on the political angles (not all British wanted to remain ruling Ireland and not all Irish wished to be completely free of the shackles (just yet), as well as the story of repatriations, post-murder/ execution effects, and the almost isolated position of NI/NE Ulster from both governments.
Before I forget I must commend the narrator - also of the Irish Difference - as an example to Audible how to use one’s voice emphasises to reflect different people rather than silly impressions. He is clear, well-paced and compelling.
I will definitely read this again, and it will form a key piece of my Anglo-Irish history collection. Stuart
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- DHS1
- 08-01-24
Engrossing listen
I learnt so much from this book about Irish history and thought it was very well put together. There were the personal histories of Sir Henry Wilson and his assassins woven into the history of the time. As someone else mentioned it does seem to repeat itself in places but that’s my only small criticism. Narration also was good. I think I bought this in one of the sales but otherwise is worth a credit in my view.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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- eliza
- 08-04-24
The violence in Ireland in the 1920s graphically described I had no idea . Such a tragedy on all sides .
I really enjoyed the book and the way it was read . Factual and informative a work that helps understand Irish history , the struggle for freedom and peace .
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 04-08-22
excellent
A very well researched and written account of an important event in Irish and and anti imperialist history. It almost does due justice to the sacrifices of the two brave martyrs whose efforts in the fight for freedom from repulsive tyranny has never been adequately recognised.
The narrator also did a fine job here.
Highly recommended.
Ní síocháin go saoirse.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Frank Amin
- 04-10-22
Very interesting look at Partition in Ireland
This book looks at the dynamics between various groups at a volatile time in Irish history, and the significance of this somewhat unsolved assassination in that context.
Various protagonists feature in the story and there is a good insight into operations and politics surrounding the violence.
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1 person found this helpful