This is the assertion addressed in this book by distinguished historians, politicians, philosophers and a Supreme Court judge.

This book seeks to interpret the events of Easter Week 1916 as the central defining event of a 'long revolution' in Irish history. The origins of the long revolution lie in the second half of the nineteenth century, and its legacy is still being played out in the first years of the twenty-first century. Acknowledged experts on specific topics seek to explore the layered domestic and international, political, legal and moral aspects of this uniquely influential and controversial event.

Contributors are: Rory O'Dwyer, Michael Wheatley, Brendan O'Shea and Gerry White, D.G.Boyce, Francis M.Carroll, Rosemary Cullen Owens, Jan de Wiel, Adrian Hardiman, Keith Jeffery, Mary McAleese, Owen McGee, Seamus Murphy and Brian P.Murphy.