File 1 - History of the Temperance Reformation

1,005 pp; 41 cm x 27 cm; Bound volume; Manuscript

‘History of the Temperance Reformation by James McKenna, chief travelling secretary to the Very Rev. Theobald Mathew’. The volume commences with a piece titled ‘National effects produced by temperance in Ireland; general decrease of crime taken from the assizes; returns, statements and testimony of judges; returns from the police officers; general decrease of disease and sick in hospitals and infirmaries …’. Returns from assizes and police officials are given from various parts of the country from 1839-41. The volume includes a large number of testimonials and addresses from various members of the aristocracy, landed gentry, politicians (including Daniel O’Connell), the clergy and other public figures referring to the beneficial effects of Fr. Mathew’s temperance crusade. With copy testimonials and letters from Lord Morpeth, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Lord Bishop of Norwich and other prominent individuals. The volume also includes articles and reflections on the history and progress of the temperance movement, pledge-taking statistics, and descriptions of Fr. Mathew’s meetings and rallies in cities, towns and villages all over Ireland. ‘A history of the temperance movement and progress in England’ by James McKenna is extant from pp 563-895. Copy testimonials, letters and addresses from England, Scotland, the United States and Canada are transcribed from pp 961-88. A comprehensive index to the volume is included from pp 987-1,005 pp.

Over-sized storage; The volume is in poor condition. The covers are detached from the text block and the spine binding is exposed. The joints are slightly cracked and there are marks and evidence of occasional worming. Internally, the end-papers are marked and have evidence of past worming with some dust accumulation. Many of the page ends are frayed, torn and desiccated. Very careful manual handling is required.