HALIDAY, William U. Úraicecht na Gaedhilge. A Grammar of the Gaelic Language

HALIDAY, William U. Úraicecht na Gaedhilge. A Grammar of the Gaelic Language. Dublin: Printed by John Barlow, 29, Bolton-Street, 1808. Large 12mo. First edition. pp. xv, [1], 201, [(1 errata)], engraved table of Ogham alphabet between p.178 and 179. Contemporary full tree calf, spine professionally rebacked and divided into six panels by five gilt raised bands, title in gilt on red morocco label on the second, the remainder elaborately tooled in gilt. Wear to corners. Some light spotting to text. A near fine copy. Scarce.

Bradshaw 2833 Gilbert 344 NSTC locates only 3 copies.
William Haliday, scholar, was born c.1788. He studied Irish and produced this grammar when only nineteen years old. He was one of the founders of the Gaelic Society, and projected a translation of Keating’s ‘History of Ireland’ but only one volume appeared (1811). Haliday died in 1812 and is buried in Dundrum.
Author’s introduction signed ‘E. O’C.’, i.e. ‘Edmund O’Connell’ (a pseudonym of William Haliday). Provenance: Glasgow College Library in early ink inscription to front pastedown.

[L3 5E]