This volume gives an insight into the undercover surveillance carried out by the Royal Irish Constabulary during the time when Michael Collins was recruiting and drilling the flying columns of the imminent War of Independence. The RIC file on Collins runs from December 1916 to April 1920 , of which the greater part is contained in this book. The reports provide readers with a feeling for the times. The papers have been selected by A.T.Q. Stewart, who has also written an introduction and commentary for the text.