Before the British copyright act was extended to Ireland in 1801, Irish needs were mainly satisfied by booksellers reprinting English titles – with or without authorisation, as Mary (“Paul”) Pollard, expert on the history of the Dublin book trade observed. This lecture will focus on children’s books issued by James Hoey junior in the late 18th century, which were more than mere reprints. Special attention will be paid to how Hoey adapted the famous 1750 Newbury publication A museum for young gentlemen and ladies specifically for an Irish readership.
The lecture draws on material from the Pollard Collection at Trinity College, bequeathed by the former Keeper of Early Printed Books, which is the largest collection of children’s books in Ireland.