Swift Blaze of Fire is a timely reminder of Irish roles in the historical resistance to Fascism, a story that has renewed urgency at present. It is also a finely detailed and compelling biography that unflinchingly recounts the contradictions within Hilliard as a person - his idealism and heroicism, and the hurt those traits inflicted on those closest to him.
-- Angela Byrne
The most complete account we are ever likely to have of Bob Hilliard's life.
-- Joseph O'Connor
I've been singing Bob Hilliard's name for 40 years, and now we finally have his story, written by his granddaughter. No pasaran!
-- Christy Moore
Was Robert Hilliard-Irishman, boxer, journalist, priest, socialist and Spanish Civil War fatality-an example of 'heroism or shiftless betrayal'? Lin Rose Clark stopped 'waiting for the pieces to fit together' and went in search of her grandfather. The result is a riveting and fascinating portrait of a contradictory figure and a poignant reminder of the gaps and silences that infiltrate and permeate families.
-- Myles Dungan
This extraordinary biography takes a figure from the margins of 1930s Irish politics and puts them centre stage. Hilliard's journey, both politically and personally, brings us to the heart of politics in 1930s Ireland and Europe. This Brigadista has finally found his biographer, in what is an important contribution to studies on the Spanish Civil War and its Irish dimensions.
-- Donal Fallon
A superb book that successfully roots its protagonist in his stirring times. A warts and all account ... Essential reading.
-- John Newsinger