Until 1999 official British records of the 15 trials that followed the Easter Rising of 1916 were kept a close secret. Further material released in 2001 included the trial of Countess Markievicz and important evidence about "shoot to kill" British military tactics. These records, the subject of heated speculation and propaganda for more than 80 years, are now clearly presented in this important new book. The complete transcripts are all here, together with fascinating photographs of the Rising, the 15 leaders and the key British players. Brian Barton's incisive commentary explains the context of the trials and the motivations of the leaders, providing an invaluable insight into what went on behind a closed door at a defining moment in Irish history.