Aibidil Gaoidheilge agus Caiticiosma ("Irish Alphabet and Catechism") is the first book printed in Ireland in the Irish language.[1][2] Meant as a Protestant primer, the book was written by John Kearney (Irish: Seán Ó Cearnaigh), a treasurer of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.[2] It includes a short section on the spelling and sounds of Irish.[3] The production of this book was part of a larger endeavour by Irish Protestants to print the Bible in the Irish language so that the common person could read it. The book was printed on a press which was set up in the home of Alderman John Ussher (Early Modern Irish: Seón Uiser). Ussher, who was a well-known Dublin Protestant, also paid for the venture.[4] Though the printer's identity is unknown, it is possible that William Kearney, a nephew of John Kearney was the printer.[5][6] 200 copies of the book were printed but only four known copies exist today.[6][7][8] In 1995 a copy of the book was bought by Trinity College Library Dublin for £47,700 ($76,463) at Christie's.[6][8]
Author | John Kearney |
---|---|
Country | Ireland |
Language | Irish |
Genre | Catechism |
Published | 1571 by John Ussher |
Media type | Print (hardcover) |
... Alphabet of the Irish language and Catechism that is Christian instruction or ...