Tour in Connemara and the Martins of Ballinahinch by Maria (edited by Harold Edgeworth Butler) Edgeworth - 1950

Constable, London, 1950. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good Condition/Very Good. One of an edition limited to 500 copies with faux vellum spine and marbled paper-covered boards; b/w. map end-papers; b/w. vignette to title page (repeated on front of D/J.); Tour in Connemara in 1833, Maria Edgeworth's longest letter, and perhaps her best, has never yet been published in its entirety. It first appeared in the unpublished Memoir (1867), and has been reprinted more than once since then. But those versions contain little more than half of the original, and the portions omitted are full of human interest and read as though they were part of an unfinished novel. They give an intimate picture of the family life of the Martins of Ballinahinch, her kindly hosts during her enforced sojourn in their house. Their interest centres round Mary Martin, the daughter of the house, a girl of remarkable gifts and striking character. But the story does not end with this letter. There is a sequel contained in later letters, one of them from Mary herself. These have never been published, for the same reason that occasioned the omissions from the Tour-the feeling that their publication would have been contrary to the wishes of Maria herself, who had strong prejudices against the publication of such intimate details, as is clear from her own injunctions which still survive. For this reticence the editors of the Memoir may be forgiven. At the end of the book following the epilogue is a guide to the persons & the places mentioned in the letters. Limited Edition. Size: 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. 126 pages. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. Dust Jacket is in very good condition & still in original glassine cover (though this is worn with loss at top which has allowed some browning & light wear to top edge.) Now also covered by protective film.. Dust Jacket un-clipped. Silver titles spine. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 250 grams. Category: Travel & Places; Letters; Connemara; Irish History; Ireland; 19th century; History. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 3148. . This book is very light, and may be shipped for less than the standard book cost quoted at this site..