KEANE, John. B. Letters of an Irish Publican. ROBERT HOWICK’S COPY. Signed by Keane & Howick.

Dublin & Cork: Mercier Press, 1974. Octavo. pp. 95. First Edition in a striking publisher’s presentation binding. Full dark brown morocco by Antiquarian Bookcrafts, Dublin. The upper cover is blocked in blind with a bold portrait medallion of Robert Howick, beneath his name “Robert Howick” in gilt. The spine is attractively tooled in gilt with simple fillet compartments and lettered “Letters of an Irish Publican · J. B. Keane”. Boards show light rubbing and surface marks consistent with careful handling.

Robert (Bobby) Howick (1924–1994) was a prominent Irish businessman who played a central role in the expansion of Guinness in the second half of the twentieth century. As Director of Guinness Group Sales in Ireland, he oversaw national distribution and marketing at a time when the brewery was both a cultural symbol and a cornerstone of the Irish economy. Renowned for his professionalism and affable character, Howick maintained close ties with writers and public figures, notably receiving specially bound presentation copies of works such as John B. Keane’s Letters of an Irish Publican. His legacy reflects Guinness’s enduring influence in modern Ireland.

[L3 Keane]