Labour in Irish History. Dublin: Maunsell & Co., 1910. First Edition. Pp xiv, 216. Original cloth boards, title lettered in gilt to upper cover & spine. Light wear to covers, fading to spine. Scattered spotting to contents pages. Housed in collector’s box.

Signed by prominent socialist and trade unionist, Walter Carpenter on title page.

Walter Carpenter (1871-1926) was an early organiser with the Irish Transport & General Workers Union alongside Jim Larkin, and Secretary of the Socialist Party of Ireland. He served as the General Secretary of the Tailors & Pressers Union (known as the Jewish Union) for over a decade. He campaigned on many important issues of the day – womens suffrage, eradicating slum housing and the introduction of school breakfasts.

A close associate and friend of James Connolly, his sons Walter and Peter served in the Irish Citizen Army from its formation in 1913 and were part of the GPO garrison during the Easter Rising. Alongside Roddy Connolly, the son of James, Walter would help found the Communist Party of Ireland.