Three Lectures on Gaelic Topics
M.H. Gil and Son, 1898. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine. Item #615998
A superb and important association copy of Pearse's first separately published work, issued when he was only 18 years of age. Pearse, noted for his poetry, literary activities, and youthful passion for Irish independence, went on to become one of the leading figures in the Irish Republican movement, and was executed for his leading role in the Easter Rebellion in 1916. He in fact read the 'Proclamation of the Irish Republic' outside the Post Office, and it was planned that he be named President in the event of success. PROVENANCE: From the library of, and with the bookplate of, John Quinn, one of the leading figures of the Irish Diaspora, also known as one of the 20th-century's greatest patrons and collectors of literature and art. The Irish-American Quinn was a leading patron and supporter of Irish literature (notably supporting Joyce, Yeats, and Synge), and lover of Lady Gregory. He used his substantial influence to advocate on behalf of Home Rule, but using non-violent means. It was the executions of the Easter Rebellion's leaders, and particularly of first Pearse and especially Casement, that moved him to a more forceful advocacy. 'Despite his adamant opposition to physical-force nationalism, when Padraig Pearse paid a visit to him in New York, Quinn was taken by his intellect and sincerity. “However much one may differ from his political beliefs,” he wrote in the wake of Pearse’s execution, “one must admire his ideality [sic], his undaunted spirit, and the purity of his motives.” [Peter Quinn, writing in 'Irish America Magazine']. His editorial on the execution of Casement in the New York Times Magazine still rings: “Roger Casement is dead. Tried in an English court upon the charge of treason, convicted by an English jury, sentenced by English judges, judgment affirmed by an English court of appeal, hanged in accordance with English law, his body buried in quicklime in a nameless grave, his case is now transferred from the English courts and English public to the court of history and to the judgment of the world.' Quinn's collection of early 20th-century Irish literature, which included the manuscript to Joyce's 'Ulysses', was landmark. A very good copy of the first edition, bound in original red cloth stamped in gilt, black coated endpapers with Quinn's bookplate mounted on front pastedown (spine a trifle sunned, light wear).
Price: $1,250.00