About this Item
Philip Dixon Hardy and Sons, 23 Upper Sackville-Street. London : William Allan, Paternoster Row. (2), (11), 8-212, (4) pages + frontispiece and three other plates of illustration. (contrary to many library citations only four plates are called for, the fifth illustration being in the text.) 150x95mm. Original publishers blind stamped blue cloth. On the recto of the first leaf are quotes from press reviews of this work taken from the 'Christian Examiner' and the 'Warder', the latter of which names Mr Hardy as the author of this anonymously published title. The two leaves bound in at end give a list of "Works published by P. Dixon Hardy and Sons, Religious Book and Tract Depository for Ireland." *** While presenting an overall history of the Inquisition, this book contains much contemporary material, which coupled with gruesome illustrations and sensational content on the treatment of female victims, is calculated to arouse anti-Catholic sentiment. In the author's introductory chapter he makes mention of the explicit nature of engravings, depicting graphic scenes of torture, in the following terms - "in reference to the engravings in this work, some may object to them as too exciting for the minds of general readers; but in reply, we would ask, did such things actually exist? nay, further, has there ever been a Bull issued from the Vatican abolishing their use? and do any of them exist at present." *** Philip Dixon Hardy (1794-1875) Poet, bookseller, printer, editor and miscellaneous writer. An editor of the hugely popular 'Dublin Penny Journal', he is credited with the introduction of the steam printing press to Dublin in the 1830's. He was noted for his evangelical zeal and became a champion of entrepreneurial sectarianism in mid 19th century Dublin. While the original cloth is worn, with lower portion of spine missing, the character of the binding is still preserved with end papers intact and not split. Some light foxing to text but overall a very good copy of this rare work, free from any library stamps, inscriptions or other markings. Seller Inventory # 002175
Contact seller
Report this item
