A H Thornton / MEMOIRS OF THE REA FAMILY FROM THE PERIOD OF THE IRISH 1st 1850

Description: MEMOIRS OF THE REA FAMILY FROM THE PERIOD OF THE IRISH REBELLION IN 1798 TILL THE YEAR 1857 Author: [Thornton, A.H.] "A Belfast Man" Title: MEMOIRS OF THE REA FAMILY FROM THE PERIOD OF THE IRISH REBELLION IN 1798 TILL THE YEAR 1857 Publication: London, England: [late 1850s] Edition: First Edition Description: Hardcover (over original stitched wraps). Octavo, 9.75 in. x 6 in., pp. 40. Originally a pamphlet, now rebound as a hardback with original front and back pamphlet covers bound in. Outer boards are dark green with frame stamped in blind to front and back, and gilt title to spine. Dent to leading edge of front board; bumped rear corner. Original pamphlet floriated border in red, green, and black ink to pictorial cover, with images of a burning building, "Jack Rea of 98"; "Queen of Hypocrisy"; "The Conspirator of 1848: The Flower of the Flock". Light vertical crease throughout original pamphlet.This scarce, 40 page pamphlet, makes it clear that from time he was young, Jack Rea was an out and out, thorough scoundrel, feared by many, loyal only to his own convenience, comfort and acquisiton of power. The pamphlet describes the men whom he falsely accused of rebellious act: "Tradition asserts that these persons had taken no part in the rebellion, and that they were equally guiltless of the other crime charged against them. The probability of their innocence in the one case is strong, and in the other almost demonstrable..." (p. 12). And for the most part, Rea seemed to come out "smelling like roses", as it were. "...Ever since his deliverance, under the shield and protection of that law which before he contemned and outrated, he has been devising new schemes for the production of social disorder and individual ruin. He has used the law, which he was unable to subvert, as an instument to persecute all who rallied round it as friends and supporteers, at a period of difficulty and danger...Look at the man! If there be anyuthing patriotic, generous or sincere in his character, why has Nature so disguised him?..." (p. 39). Good Plus. Rea, John (1822-81), lawyer and political activist, was born in West St., Belfast. He joined the Young Ireland movement ... and was imprisoned in Kilmainham jail for nine months but was released on the collapse of the movement in 1848. He acted for catholics against Orangemen in the celebrated ‘Dolly's Brae' inquiry... Though of undoubted ability, Rea was highly volatile and suffered the usual suspicion attaching to those with a foot in two camps. ... A pamphlet was circulated during his lifetime entitled Memoirs of the Rea family from 1798 to 1857, without date, author, or publisher but probably written by a tory, Arthur Hill Thornton; it stated that John Rea was inflicted on Belfast to obstruct its progress, spoil its propriety, and mar its prosperity." (from Dictionary of Irish Biography)"Of all the aspects of Belfast life that William and Robert Tennent were involved in, arguably the most significant was politics. Certainly, their political activities were long remembered. In his mid-century pamphlet, Memoirs of the Rea family from the period of the Irish rebellion in 1798 till the year 1857, A. H. Thornton identified Robert Tennent as a member of a distinct faction, including such individuals as Dr Drennan, John Templeton, John Sinclair and John Barnett, who ‘assumed the office of dictators of the people, and directors of public opinion', declaring themselves at one point to be ‘the natural leaders..." (from Jonathan J. Wright). Seller ID: 87959 Subject: Irish & Ireland: History Aardvark Rare Books Eugene, OR We work hard to make your Bookbuying Experience safe, easy and fun. Aardvark Books is a proud member of the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America) and IOBA, Independent Online Booksellers Association. Ezra is also an accredited and Qualified Appraiser of Books and Manuscripts, with a designation from the ASA (American Society of Appraisers), with considerable Archive experience as well. Shipping All books shipped to US destinations are sent via the US Postal Service. Faster shipping is available, please ask before paying. We will combine shipping on items purchased at the same time in order to help reduce costs. International shipping is also available. Please inquire for a shipping quote before ordering.This listing was created by Bibliopolis.

Price: 900 USD

Location: Eugene, Oregon

End Time: 2025-01-30T19:45:08.000Z

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