Day, Angelique (Editor).

Letters from Georgian Ireland: The correspondence of Mary Delany, 1731-68. Edited by Angelique Day. Foreword by Sybil Connolly.

Belfast, The Friar’s Bush Press, 1991. Octavo. VIII, 303 p ages with 66 black & white illustrations plus 16 color plates. Original Hardcover with original dustjacket. Excellent condition with only minor signs of wear.

“Brings together for the first time an extensive selection from the correspondence of Mary, Mrs. Delany, during her time in Ireland. She first visited Ireland in 1731 when she travelled widely and became a friend of Dean Swift (whose letters to her are included in this volume) and also met his friend Patrick Delany, her future husband with whom she returned in 1744. The letters record her impressions of places, people, social gatherings and Dublin society, and describe her experiences in the north as wife of the Dean of Down. Described by Edmund Burke as ‘the woman of fashion of all ages’, Mary Delany is revealed here as one of the personalities of her age, a loving wife, family adviser, the centre of a wide circle of friends, a tireless improver of her house and garden, but above all, an artistic talent whose style and innovation still fascinate today.” (Publisher’s Information from the dustjacket).

Illustrations include for example:
Miniature of Anne Donnellan by Rupert Barber /
State Ball at Dublin Castle, 1731 – painted by William Van der Hagen /
William Connolly, M.P. of Castletown (Irish School; 18th century) /
The Batesons of Belvoir, 1762, attributed to Strickland Lowry /
Mrs. Delaney in old Age, by John Opie with a frame by Horace Walpole /
West prospect of Giant’s Causeway by Susannah Drury, c. 1739 / etc. etc.

Chapters include for example:

Background to Mrs. Delany’s Life in Ireland / The Delanys and their Society / Jonathan Swift, Dean of St.Patrick’s / Chapone Sandford Circle / Tour of the West of Ireland / The North: Life in County Down / etc.

• Keywords: 18th Century – Rare · Irish History – Rare · Irish History in the 18th century
• Language: English
• Inventory Number: 31059AB

EUR 95,--