Lady Gregory’s Journals 1916-1930. Edited by Lennox Robinson. Dublin: Putnam & Company Ltd, 1946. First Edition. Pp, 344. Unbound, pre-issue copy. Housed in collector’s solander box.

Signed by Lennox Robinson on the half-title page. With a typed letter from Robinson informing his friend ‘My dear Will’ that though the book states Published March 1946 it was still not ‘Out yet’ and his friend could read Robinson’s own copy, which he has sent him. 

Lady Gregory and Lennox Robinson’s connection was forged through the Abbey Theatre, which was founded in 1904 by Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats. Robinson became a key figure at the theatre, first serving as its manager and producer from 1909 to 1914. He remained closely involved for decades, writing plays for the Abbey and eventually being appointed to its board in 1923. Following Lady Gregory’s death in 1932, Robinson paid her the highest possible tribute, stating that she “was – is – the Abbey Theatre.“

This book covers the most important years of the Irish literary and political movements, and presents Lady Gregory’s intimate views on the events and people of a period of great historical importance. She intended the work for publication after hear death, and she left instructions which the publishers and editor had been at pains to carry out.