The Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown recently welcomed Marie Tierney from Australia, who returned to her family’s hometown with a very special gift.
Marie Tierney, once a resident of Tierney’s shop on Main Street, Edgeworthstown, presented Matt Farrell with a rare 1833 edition of Tales and Novels, Volume XIV: Patronage. This volume, printed in London by Baldwin and Cradock, forms part of Maria Edgeworth’s celebrated series of novels and tales.
Patronage was first published in 1814 and is one of Edgeworth’s most ambitious works. The novel explores themes of social class, influence, and morality, illustrating how personal ambition and family loyalty often collide in nineteenth-century society. Its sharp observations and vivid characters reflect Edgeworth’s enduring reputation as both a novelist and a social commentator.
The gift of this 1833 edition of Patronage not only strengthens the Centre’s collection but also highlights the importance of preserving rare editions of Edgeworth’s work. Moreover, it provides visitors and researchers with a tangible connection to the early nineteenth-century readership that first encountered her novels.
During their visit, the Tierney family toured the Maria Edgeworth Centre and reflected on both their personal ties to the town and the wider significance of Edgeworth’s literary achievements. As a result, their contribution serves as a bridge between local history and international scholarship.
The Maria Edgeworth Centre warmly thanks Marie Tierney and her family for presenting this 1833 Baldwin and Cradock edition of Patronage and for supporting the preservation of Edgeworthstown’s cultural and literary heritage.
