WHYTE, Samuel. The Shamrock: or, Hibernian Cresses. A Collection of Poems, Songs, Epigrams, etc. Latin as well as English, the Original Production of Ireland. To which are subjoined, Thoughts on the Prevailing System of School Education, Respecting Young Ladies as well as Gentlemen: with Practical Proposals for a Reformation.

Dublin: Printed by R. Marchbank, in Coles-Alley, Castle-Street, 1772. Quarto. pp. xviii, [14 (list of subscribers)], 515, [3], [10]. Inscribed ""Anne Wilson"" on titlepage. Modern quarter calf on marbled boards, title in gilt direct on spine. A very good copy. Very rare.
Samuel Whyte (1733-1811) was born on board a ship just entering the Mersey and was the natural son of Captain Solomon Whyte, Deputy-Governor of the Tower of London, who owned considerable property in Ireland. Samuel was brought up by the Sheridan family in Dublin and he became one of the most prominent schoolmasters of that city in the eighteenth century. He founded the English Grammar School for young gentlemen at 75, Grafton Street. He was proud of the fact of having some famous pupils including Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the Duke of Wellington, Thomas Moore, and George Petrie. In addition to the poetry of many of his pupils, this important work contains a large number of Whyte's own poems. It was the first Irish collection of poetry and his practical thoughts for the reform of education in Ireland.
The list of subscribers include: Edmund Burke, Esq.; Earl of Clanricard; Mr. Jonathan Fisher; Mr. Arthur Guinness; Mrs. (John) Latouche; Dr. Leland; Robert Maddock; Henry Quin and Samuel Watson, etc. There is also a list of young gentlemen subscribers, pupils of Samuel Whyte including: Richard Sheridan; Charles Henry Coote; William Tandy; Lord Devlin; Lord Wellesly; Lawrence Parsons; Thomas (Buck) Whaley; David Latouche, etc.

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