L13404

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Lot 220
  • 220

Ireland--O'Brien, William

Estimate
2,000 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • A group of 16 letters written to the Irish Nationalist politican and journalist William O'Brien and retained drafts of letters by him, comprising:
  • ink on paper
Eamon de Valera, typed letter signed repudiating claims made in O'Brien's The Irish Revolution, defending his refusal to attend the meetings that led to the 1922 Anglo-Irish Treaty ("...the one possibility which I didn't anticipate was Griffith's signing without coming home..."), providing an assessment of the pro-Treaty forces ("...the residue of nationalism when the Fenian and Volunteer elements were taken out..."), and expressing his hope for an early end to the Irish Civil War, 3 pages, 4to, Dail Eireann, 16 March 1923; T.M. Healy, 6 autograph letters and one typed letter signed, mostly on The Irish Revolution and including trenchant criticisms of de Valera, 25 pages, 4to and 8vo, most from the Vice Regal Lodge, Dublin, 15 January 1918 to 15 April 1923; William Redmond, J.E. Redmond, John Dillon, the 4th Earl of Dunraven, H. Campbell-Bannerman (as Prime Minister), Edward Carson, and two others; drafts of letters by O'Brien to de Valera, Healy, and others, c.45 pages, 4to and 8vo; together with a copy of The Irish Revolution and How It Came About, Dublin, 1923; most of the letters with paper or adhesive residue where removed from mounts, occasional nicks, book lacking spine

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

William O'Brien (1852-1928) first rose to prominence as one of Parnell's most important followers. Independent-minded, a staunch opponent of partition, and a gifted journalist, his was a distinctive and important voice in Irish politics throughout the tumult of the early twentieth century.