The Tragedy of Erskine Childers: The Life And Death Of Erskine Childers Paperback – Illustrated, 1 April 2007

"The Tragedy of Erskine Childers" by Leonard Piper.Every now and then there is a book which highlights the real dangers about a man becoming too interested and involved in a country which is not his own. In that way I am reminded of Anthony Grey's "The Prime Minister was a Spy" (1983), dealing with the story of Harold Holt, one time Prime Minister of Australia. One finds Childers a compelling character, and in his case certainly fact is considerably stranger than fiction. I found it a book very difficult to put down.By contrast the life of Arthur Ransome "The Last Englishman --- The Double Life of Arthur Ransome" by Roland Chambers is in stark contrast. Whereas one admires the courage of Childers, one can only despise the cowardice and the self-pitying stance of Ransome who emerges as a detestable character.I purchased both books at the same time, because of my life-long interest in yachting. And both are excellently researched and written. Certainly, it is well worth reading both at the same time or in quick succession.