Killen, J ; Linen Hall Library (1 results)

Cloth, 8vo, 25 cm, x, 261 pp, ills, From the introduction: "From its beginning the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge was an institution whose central aim was (and remains) to run a subscription library for the benefit of its members. In common with other institutions, such as the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society and the Birmingham Library, the society and library was (and is) financed, managed and administered by its members. At a later stage in its development it took on a wider remit and responsibility within the cultural and educational life of the town (later the city) of Belfast. That the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge was able to survive in a mainly industrial town and city for two hundred years is worthy of note; that it should actually flourish while others faltered requires explanation. This book relates the story of the society and the people who steered it through storm and calm, and who, over successive generations, built up an important resource for historical (especially Irish historical) studies." Signed and inscribed by the author on the title-page. Booklabel of the bibliophile A R A Hobson on front pastedown endpaper. Near Fine in Near Fine dustwrapper.