MEMOIRS OF THE REA FAMILY FROM THE PERIOD OF THE IRISH REBELLION IN 1798 TILL THE YEAR 1857

[Thornton, A.H.] "A Belfast Man"

Published by London, England, 1850

Octavo, 9.75 in. x 6 in., pp. 40. Originally a pamphlet, now rebound as a hardback with original front and back pamphlet covers bound in. Outer boards are dark green with frame stamped in blind to front and back, and gilt title to spine. Dent to leading edge of front board; bumped rear corner. Original pamphlet floriated border in red, green, and black ink to pictorial cover, with images of a burning building, "Jack Rea of 98"; "Queen of Hypocrisy"; "The Conspirator of 1848: The Flower of the Flock". Light vertical crease throughout original pamphlet. This scarce, 40 page pamphlet, makes it clear that from time he was young, Jack Rea was an out and out, thorough scoundrel, feared by many, loyal only to his own convenience, comfort and acquisiton of power. The pamphlet describes the men whom he falsely accused of rebellious act: "Tradition asserts that these persons had taken no part in the rebellion, and that they were equally guiltless of the other crime charged against them. The probability of their innocence in the one case is strong, and in the other almost demonstrable." (p. 12). And for the most part, Rea seemed to come out "smelling like roses", as it were. ".Ever since his deliverance, under the shield and protection of that law which before he contemned and outrated, he has been devising new schemes for the production of social disorder and individual ruin. He has used the law, which he was unable to subvert, as an instument to persecute all who rallied round it as friends and supporteers, at a period of difficulty and danger.Look at the man! If there be anyuthing patriotic, generous or sincere in his character, why has Nature so disguised him?." (p. 39). Rea, John (1822 81), lawyer and political activist, was born in West St., Belfast. He joined the Young Ireland movement . and was imprisoned in Kilmainham jail for nine months but was released on the collapse of the movement in 1848. He acted for catholics against Orangemen in the celebrated Dolly's Brae inquiry. Though of undoubted ability, Rea was highly volatile and suffered the usual suspicion attaching to those with a foot in two camps. . A pamphlet was circulated during his lifetime entitled Memoirs of the Rea family from 1798 to 1857, without date, author, or publisher but probably written by a tory, Arthur Hill Thornton; it stated that John Rea was inflicted on Belfast to obstruct its progress, spoil its propriety, and mar its prosperity." (from Dictionary of Irish Biography) "Of all the aspects of Belfast life that William and Robert Tennent were involved in, arguably the most significant was politics. Certainly, their political activities were long remembered. In his mid-century pamphlet, Memoirs of the Rea family from the period of the Irish rebellion in 1798 till the year 1857, A. H. Thornton identified Robert Tennent as a member of a distinct faction, including such individuals as Dr Drennan, John Templeton, John Sinclair and John Barnett, who assumed the office of dictators of the people, and directors of public opinion , declaring themselves at one point to be the natural leaders." (from Jonathan J. Wright). Hardcover (over original stitched wraps). Seller Inventory # 87959

Bibliographic Details

Title: MEMOIRS OF THE REA FAMILY FROM THE PERIOD OF...
Publisher: London, England
Publication Date: 1850
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good Plus
Edition: First Edition.