Irish Literary Society of London. Souvenir Programme of the Coming of Age of the Irish Literary Society of London, 1892–1913. London: Irish Literary Society, 1913.

4to. pp. [i], 2–14, [30] advertisements (44 pp. in total), illustrated with a photographic portrait of Alfred Perceval Graves, original printed pictorial wrappers designed in the Celtic Revival style by Sághra Mhic Threasa, stapled as issued.

Published to commemorate the twenty-first anniversary of the Irish Literary Society of London, founded in 1892 by leading figures of the Irish Literary Revival including W. B. Yeats, Douglas Hyde, T. W. Rolleston and others. The programme outlines the Society’s history and aims, records its officers and committee, and contains the syllabus of commemorative lectures by T. W. Rolleston (“Irish Thought and Art for Twenty-one Years”) and Alfred Perceval Graves (“Ireland’s Share in the Folk-Song Revival”). It also includes recitations by members of the Abbey Theatre Company under the chairmanship of W. B. Yeats, together with the words of the songs performed, membership information, and contemporary advertisements.

A scarce and evocative survival from the height of the Irish Literary Revival, documenting one of the most influential cultural organisations established by the Irish diaspora in London. The Society played a central role in promoting Irish language, literature, music and history, helping to shape the intellectual foundations of the wider Irish cultural revival in the years immediately preceding the First World War.

Very good copy. Light age toning and occasional marginal spotting to wrappers, internally clean and bright, staples sound and contents complete.

[L4 8B]