On a thread such as this, I thought it might be helpful, at least for those with a serious interest in the topic, to post a few references by which we might better inform ourselves, collectively and individually. This list of books is certainly not comprehensive, but it does provide some balance for the serious reader. I would welcome suggestions of other works for my own edification.

As to Bobby Sands, more or less directly: (1) "Bobby Sands: Writings From Prison"; Boby Sands Trust, 1997; Roberts Rinehart Publs, Boulder; ISBN 1-57098-113-2 (a composite of "A Day In My Life" and "Skylark Sing Your Lovely Song". (2) "Ten Men Dead"; David Beresford, 1987; Atlantic Monthly Press; ISBN 0-87113-702-x (3) "On The Blanket"; Tim Pat Coogan, 1997, Roberts Rinehart Publs.; ISBN 1-8507098-133-7

As to terrorism: (4) "The Committee"; Sean McPhelimy, 1998, 1999; Roberts Rinehart Publs. (5) "Inside Terrorism"; Bruce Hoffman, 1998; Columbia Univ. Press; ISBN 0-231-11468-0

As to the primary military combatants (excluding loyalist murder squads): (6) "A Pocket History of the IRA"; Brendan O"Btien, 1997; O'Brien Press; ISBN 0-86278-511-1 (7) "Big Boys Rules: The Secret Struggle Against The IRA"; Mark Urban, 1992 Faber & Faber, London & Boston; ISBN 0-571-16112x

As to background: (8) "The Uncivil Wars: Ireland Today"; Padraig O'Malley, 1997 revision; Beacon Press, Boston; ISBN 0-8070-0223-2 (9) "The Irish Troubles: A generation of Victims"; J. Bowyer Bell, 1993; St. Martin's Press, NYC; ISBN 0-312-08827-2

This 'sampler" will serve to reduce the emotionalism some folks seem to expect in this thread, but which truly has not been a dominant element.