THE MANCHESTER OUTRAGE A Fenian Tragedy.

Hardback. PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED AND SIGNED TO FORMER DET. CHIEF SUPT. LEONARD 'NIPPER' READ. The story of the formation of the Fenian Movement otherwise known as the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Its aim was to free Ireland from English rule. But the telling of the Movement's activities in the mid-19th century only serves to inform the reader of events leading to the terrible tragedy which occurred on Hyde Road, Manchester on September 18, 1867. Two leading figures in the Fenian brotherhood, American Civil War veterans, Col. Thomas J. Kelly and Capt. Timothy Deasy, were in custody and being transferred by police van from the court in Manchester to Belle Vue Gaol a short distance away. The police van was attacked by a wild mob of Irishmen armed with guns, hammers, hatchets and stones. The horses were shot. A member of the public shot, and brave Sgt. Brett, who refused to give up the keys to the van, was shot and killed. The 2 prisoners were released and a hue and cry arose with the escapees and their followers being chased by the vengeful mob. Many Fenians were arrested and brought to trial. The murder caused a great public furore which the police, politicians and judiciary were keen to calm. The preliminary hearing and committal, the trial, the verdicts and the sentences are the subject of partisan debate. The term 'Manchester Martyrs' was coined to describe the 3 of those found guilty and who were hanged at the New Bailey Prison, Manchester on November 23, 1867. A fascinting story packed with drama and tinged with the warmth, humour and innate vulnerability of the Irish character. Illus. with 38 b/w pictures + 2 maps. 302pp. 8vo. h/back. From the library of former Det. Chief Supt. Leonard 'Nipper' Read. PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR TO 'NIPPER'. Also includes a loosely inserted copy of a thank you fax message from 'Nipper' to Jack Doughty which has been SIGNED BY 'NIPPER'. Scarce. F. in F. dw.