Biography of Griffith reveals complex truth

Sometimes, history is made by the least likely people. Arthur Griffith’s military moustache and stylish pince-nez gave him an imposing appearance, but the working-class Dubliner was essentially a shy man. He found it difficult to address friends by their first name or make conversation with anyone who was not a voracious reader like himself.

Despite these social limitations, Griffith will always be remembered for one of the most momentous decisions ever made by ...