Molloy, Francis
First edition of first book to be printed in Irish by the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide. Produced against the backdrop of an era when Irish Catholics were facing oppression from English Protestant dominion, the volume is a testimony to the intertwining of language, religion and national identity in Ireland at a formative moment.
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The work of the priest Francis Molloy (c. 1606-77), the book contains a Catechism printed in fine Irish type, based ultimately on the script of early medieval Irish manuscripts, which became intimately associated with the language. The first-ever printed grammar of Irish ("Grammatica latino-hibernica") was also authored by Molloy, and published by the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide in 1677. Molloy came from a noted Catholic family in County Meath, where some of his relatives were active supporters of the Irish Rebellion of 1641, after which the British colonisation of Ireland intensified. Following the atrocities committed by Oliver Cromwell, Ireland saw an uneasy peace under Charles II (1660-85), during which time Molloy served as representative of the Irish Catholics at the Papal court. The Battle of the Boyne in 1690 sealed in the period of Protestant Ascendancy, in which Catholics were denied political representation and Ireland was governed by a small English-speaking Protestant élite. In this period especially, Catholicism and the Irish language became focal-points of resistance.
A monument to the intimate relation between the Irish Language and the Catholic faith from a defining era in Ireland's history. Also, a rarity on the market: Rare Book Hub records only three copies sold since 2000.
Amaduzzi 28. ESTC R41480. Wing O291C. Sweeney 3279.
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