The Lay of an Irish Harp, or, Metrical Fragments. Philadelphia: Printed & Published by T.S. Manning, [1808) Pp xv, 180. Engraved title page. Original full calf, russet title label to spine. Contents age-toned, otherwise very good.

Lady Morgan, nee Owenson, married Charles Morgan in 1812. She fought all her life for two goals – Liberty for all and the emancipation of Ireland. The emancipation of Catholics Act of 1829 was in no small part the result of her strident and energetic work, chiefly by means of her novels. In her four National Tales she depicted Irish struggles and troubles in realistic detail.

She started her writing career with a volume of poetry in 1801, published two probationary novels, and became famous with ‘The Wild Irish Girl’ in 1806. She published widely and was an extremely popular author in her day, which ensured financial success. [Hogan: Dictionary of Irish Literature].