Young Ireland. A Fragment of Irish History 1840-1850. London: Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co., 1880. Second Edition. Pp vii, 778. Contemporary half morocco, cloth boards. Raised bands with russet title label lettered in gilt, gilt shamrock motif to compartments. Scattered spotting to contents pages, overall a nice copy, handsomely bound.

An historical account of the Young Ireland movement, which was a political group that emerged in the 1840s and sought to achieve Irish independence. The book is considered an important work in Irish history and provides valuable insights into the political and social climate of the time.

Gavan Duffy, the first editor and proprietor of ‘The Nation’ newspaper, devoted his energies to the cause of tenant rights in an unsuccessful attempt to stem the tide of post-Famine evictions. In ill health and despair he emigrated to Australia, where he became prime minister of Victoria and was knighted for his services to the colony in 1873.