The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1902-11-29
IRISH BOOKS. q
A Big Collection Receivsdj atlI the
. Public Library.

doubtless be pleased to learn of the
collection of Irish books relating to
Ireland which has ben recently adj
ded to the Library. The list, which
amounts to upwards Of one hundred
volumes, contains some rare and high
ly priced works, Such, for instance,
are Canals of the -Four Masters" "Sir
James Wares Antiquities of Ireland"
and Churchman'S Irish Minstrelsy."
Commencing in the near future, the
Irish Standard will give from time to
time a separate review of these vol
umes, including also some others of
the more important works in the COL
lection, as less than special mention
would fail to do them Justice.
Most of the books are second hand.
Many of them were bought of p. M.
Haverty, of New York, an extensive
dealer in Irish books; some were
bought in London and others in Dub
lin. The cost of the books was over
three hundred dollars. 1t is under
stood the Atheneum will add from
time to time to the present collection,
which may be regarded as forming a
nucleus for what in time will prove
to be one of the best Celtic collections
in this country. 1t is safe to say
that the Minneapolis Library now con-
Tot
libraries in the United States, not eX-
cepting the Public Library Of Chicago.
This is saying a great deal, and is a
unique distinction for the library and
our city. All told, the collection is a
valuable accession, whether cOnsid-
| cred in respect to the domain of his
tory or Of literature. This view will
| be confirmed on an examination of
the list herewith printed. The books
on this account should, and doubtless
will, attract many patrons. A unique
character of the collection is the ap-
pearance of number of books in the
| Gaelic or native Irish language. AS
| the most of them have English trans
lations, they will do double service
| for readers in both languages. AS
will be seen from the list, many of the
Gaelic books are adapted for begin
ners and students of the language
Persons who are interested in the
comparative study of languages will
find these Gaelic books helpful, as
the Irish language, being so ancient
is considered important in studies OF
this nature.
With the reception OF the Gaelic
collection at the Library, the Irisl
Standard soon hopes to see in this
city the formation of an Irish class
for the study of Gaelic and Irish his
tory, and thus have Minneapolis fail
in line with other large cities through
out the country. Irish history, dow
to comparatively modern period. il
wrapped up in Gaelic speech. Hence
the value at least Of some knowledge
Of Gaelic towards forming correc
opinions on the subject and question
of ancient and later Irish history.
4, The Gaelic Journal of Dublin il
now regularly kept in the readin;
room of the library. 1t is a valuable
adjunct to the student of Gaelic ant
is both in Gaelic and English.
To the Atheneum the thanks of tn
Irish citizens are especially due 70
their action in securing for the Lib
rary this splendid number Of Iris
books,-books which reflect SO niue
credit and honor on the Irish as
race and people. The purchase o
many of the books is most timely, 70
the day is not far distant when on at
count of the growing interest in Iris
studies, and particularly on accoun
of the revival of the Irish language
Irish works, which are now available
will become exceedingly scarce an
difficult to be bought Mt any price
The following are the books in tn
2 collection:
Barlow, S. History of Ireland.
vols. Lon. 1914.
E Life of Francis Blackburne. Lor
r Cho pool1or Lon 1874