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Exquisite & Rare

Bookbindings from the Library of
Benjamin Guinness, 3rd Earl of Iveagh

This exhibition showcases the exquisite workmanship of eighteenth-century Dublin bookbinders. The books on display are a small selection of those collected by the bibliophile 3rd Earl of Iveagh, Benjamin Guinness (1937–92).

The books are held in our Benjamin Iveagh Library at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, and are managed for us by the Office of Public Works. An exhibition of the books was held in Marsh’s Library in 2013. All photography is by Philip Maddock.

Exhibit

Click thumbnails to see more
L. Lemercier de Neuville, Théatre des Pupazzi (Lyon, 1876).
Robert Steele, Huon of Bordeaux: done into English by Sir John Bourchier, Lord Berners ... (London, 1895)
Edward Fitzgerald, Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, The Astronomer-Poet of Persia ... (London, 1894).
Hugh Maffett (ed.), The Catiline and Jugurthine Wars. Translated from Sallust (Dublin, 1772).
Hugh Maffett (ed.), The Catiline and Jugurthine Wars. Translated from Sallust (Dublin, 1772).
Hugh Maffett (ed.), The Catiline and Jugurthine Wars. Translated from Sallust (Dublin, 1772).
Hugh Maffett (ed.), The Catiline and Jugurthine Wars. Translated from Sallust (Dublin, 1772).
Hugh Maffett (ed.), The Catiline and Jugurthine Wars. Translated from Sallust (Dublin, 1772).
Samuel Watson, The gentleman’s and citizen’s almanack, compiled by Samuel Watson, bookseller, for the year of our Lord, 1773 (Dublin, 1773).
Samuel Watson, The gentleman’s and citizen’s almanack, compiled by Samuel Watson, bookseller, for the year of our Lord, 1777 (Dublin, 1777).
Sir James Caldwell, Debates relative to the affairs of Ireland, in the years 1763 and 1764. Taken by a military officer. To which are added, his remarks on the trade of Ireland, 1st edn, 2 vols (London, 1766).
Thomas Leland (ed.), All the Orations of Demosthenes (Dublin, 1756).
The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies ... according to the use of the Church of England: together with the Psalter ... (Cambridge, 1762).
The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies ... according to the use of the Church of England: together with the Psalter ... (Cambridge, 1762).
The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments ... together with the Psalter (Cambridge, 1761).
The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments ... together with the Psalter (Cambridge, 1760).
Catulli, Tibulli, et Propertii opera (Birmingham, 1772).
The new week’s preparation for a worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper, as recommended and appointed by the Church of England; ... 36th edn (London, [1744?]).
John Hawkey (ed.), D. Junii Juvenalis et A. Persii Flacci Satyræ (Dublin, 1746).
Johann Ulrich Krauss, Historiche Bilder Bible (Augsburg, 1702).
Hugh Hamilton, Philosophical essays on the following subjects: i. On the principles of mechanics. ii. On the ascent of vapours, ... iii. Observations and conjectures on the nature of the aurora borealis (Dublin, 1766).
‘Letters from Lord Hyde to Lady Charlotte & Lady Mary Capell; containing a description of the South of France in 1751 & 1752’.
A list of the proprietors of licenses for private sedan chairs at 25th March, 1788, alphabetically ranged, with their respective residences, published as required by law. A list of the original subscribers towards building the public rooms and establishing six annual assemblies ... (Dublin, 1788).
Thomas Wilson, An account of the foundation of the Royal Hospital of King Charles ii. &c. near Dublin, for the relief and maintenance of antient and maimed officers and soldiers of the army of Ireland (Dublin, 1725).
Bernard Scale, An Hibernian atlas; or general description of the kingdom of Ireland: divided into provinces; ... Shewing their boundaries, extent, soil, produce ... Together with the ... postroads (London, 1776).
The statutes at large, passed in the parliaments held in Ireland: from the third year of Edward the Second, a.d. 1310 to the first year of George the Third, a.d. 1761 inclusive, 11 vols (Dublin, 1765–82).
Cornelius Tacitus, C. Cornelii Taciti opera ad fidem editionis Parisinæ Gab. Brotier ... illustravit Josephus Stock, 4 vols (Dublin, 1787–88).
Patrick Murdoch (ed.), The works of James Thomson, with his last corrections and improvements. To which is prefixed, an account of his life and writings, 2 vols (London, 1762).
Henry Brooke, The tryal of the cause of the Roman Catholics; ... August 5th, 1761, 1st edn (Dublin, 1761).
True piety; or the day well spent: A manual of chosen prayers, devout practices, and solid instructions ... (Cork, 1781).

Credits

Exhibition curated by Dr Philip Maddock
with Ms Julia Cummins and Dr Jason McElligott

Online version curated by Ms Meltem Cekic


Philip Maddock is a lifelong bibliophile with a particular interest and expertise in the techniques and history of bookbinding. Originally from Dublin, he trained in medicine at University College Dublin before moving to the USA where he specialised in oncology. He served as a Governor of Marsh’s Library for two terms.

Julia Cummins serves as Librarian with the Office of Public Works, who manage the Benjamin Iveagh Library at Farmleigh House for Marsh’s Library.

Jason McElligott is the Director of Marsh's Library and Adjunct Professor in the School of History, University College Dublin.

Meltem Cekic held an internship in Marsh’s Library under the Erasmus+ scheme as part of her vocational training in Librarianship at the Ludwig-Maximilians University Library and the Vocational College for Media Professions in Munich.

Web design by Sue Hemmens, Deputy Director, Marsh's Library. Powered by Omeka.

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