MCCARTHY

The twenty items in this collection are in fair condition, aged and worn, and present an interesting capsule of political activism in late-Victorian Britain. The printed circular (1p., 8vo) is headed 'THE OPIUM TRADE. | London, March 17th, 1886.' It is signed at the foot by Justin McCarthy (1830-1912), and requests support from Members of the House of Commons for Sir Joseph W. Pease's resolution, during a vote on 23 March.

On a piece of thin, shiny card, 33 x 20 cm. The text of the two poems is printed in red capitals, in two columns, with the title and border in brown, and a green design surrounding the words 'Wishing you a Happy Xmas and Prosperous New Year' at the foot, together with green leaves to red holly berries surrounding the title.

On square of paper. In good condition, lightly-aged and with traces of glue from mount adhering to reverse. The letter reads: 'My dear Lady Dorothy | I send you - at last! - the only Souvenirs from Dublin of Parnell's funeral. I received them this morning. One represents the scene in the City Hall under the shadow of O'Connell's statue - the other the grave in Glasnevin. | With kindest regards | Very truly Yours | Justin Mc.Carthy'. The souvenirs referred to in the letter are not present.

12mo: 1 p. Fourteen lines of text, neatly and closely written. Good, on lightly aged and creased paper. 1 cm closed tear to a margin (not affecting text). He accepts Hill's proposal 'with regard to the Parliamentary leaders of the Daily News'. He hopes the 'condition [...] as to notice of termination [...] will prove as much of a formality without consequence as certain claims for "consequential damages" '.

8vo, 94 + ii pp. Stapled and in original green and white printed wraps. Advertisements on wraps, prelims and final leaf. Frontispiece portrait of Justin McCarthy (with transcription of a letter by him to Ouseley facing it) and double-sided plate (between pp. 32 and 33) carrying seven illustrations. A scarce item (no copy at British Library): chipped and worn on aged high-acidity paper. Described by the author as a 'narrative of probably the most powerful and far-reaching conspiracy the world has ever known'.