The Collins Press imprint: 150 books

In 1943, thirty-two captured Irish merchant sailors refused a Gestapo request to work for Germany. They were sent to a labour education camp, where they were starved, beaten and forced to dig the foundations for an immense U-boat factory, Bunker Valentin. Among them was Harry Callan, a Catholic...

?Ireland’s War of Independence generated a wealth of published material but very little from a British perspective. Yet many British servicemen left accounts of their time in Ireland from 1918 to 1921. They describe military operations, the IRA, the Irish, the actions of their own forces, morale...

How do we know that what we remember is the truth? Inspired by the story of her relative Marion Stokes, one of three women who raised the tricolour over Enniscorthy in Easter Week 1916, Felicity Hayes-McCoy explores the consequences for all of us when memories are manipulated or obliterated, intentionally...

Cork has long been an important hub for international trade, including the lucrative transatlantic routes. This wealth is reflected in the city’s fine architecture, which boasts a wide variety of styles, from Neoclassical to Gothic. Following on from their successful Dublin Strolls, the Brackens...

While many agree Ireland can become a world leader in clean energy, there’s little agreement on how. John Travers captures the challenge from an Irish perspective. He assesses, in clear terms, practical energy alternatives tomeet all our needs, achieve energy independence, and provide an opportunity for Ireland to be a world leader and global beacon of clean energy.

In 1962 Seán Ó Sé recorded ‘An Poc ar Buile’ with Seán Ó Riada and Ceoltóirí Chualann. It proved a huge success and resulted in seven wonderful years working with Ó Riada and over sixty years of singing. Born in 1936, Seán grew up in west Cork not far from where his parents taught at...

High risk, adrenaline rushes, extreme weather, knife-edge decisions, rivalries and challenges in the toughest environment are all in a day's work for exceptional Irish sailor, Damian Foxall. Ocean Fever traces his early years as a restless teenager and description of his successes and failures on many teams lifts the lid on this toughest of sports.

This inspiring story of Ernest Shackleton, whose men called him 'The Boss', involved four expeditions to Antarctica between 1901 and 1922. His incredible adventures included a breathtaking march to within a few miles of the South Pole and the amazing saga of hardship and survival on the famous Endurance expedition. * Also by Michael Smith: Tom Crean, Ice Man.

The story of Oscar Wilde and his extraordinary family is a remarkable one. His parents, the brilliant Sir William and flamboyant Lady Jane, also led amazing lives and experienced triumph and tragedy. His wife Constance Wilde had to change her name and live in exile until her death. An epic family...

Lady Gregory, Abbey Theatre founder and patron of W. B. Yeats, writer and daughter of a Galway landowner, became a key figure in the Irish Revival. This new biography investigates Augusta Gregory’s varied relationships and the contradictions and achievements of her life. This portrait of a fascinating...

Tom Crean ran away from his Kerry home, aged 15, to join the British navy in 1893. He travelled to the Antarctic with the famous explorers, Scott and Shackleton. He explored the unknown, crossed ice fields and wild oceans and courageously saved friends from death.

A guide to 20 of popular walking routes on the MacGillycuddy's Reeks contains full-colour maps specially commissioned from the Ordnance Survey, photographs and map references. This guide also encompasses the history of the area, its geology and natural history, its place names and people. It offers useful information on travel and accommodation.

From the earliest times people have pondered why we are here; philosophers and scientists continue to grapple with the question. For this compilation of wisdom and insights into what is truly important, Catherine Conlon tracked down people from varying walks of life, all with a deep connection to...

From medieval Carlingford in Louth to Blarney Castle in Cork, discover the top 100 places to visit in Ireland’s Ancient East. Wander through time at sites such as Clonmacnoise, Newgrange and the Rock of Cashel, as well as at hidden gems like Athassel Priory in Tipperary, Loughcrew Passage Tombs...