Introduction

Abstract

Drawing on secondary research examining Irish political affairs in the wake of the Glorious Revolution of 1688–1689, and research focussed on the history of the book and print trade in Ireland, the introductory chapter sets the research presented in this monograph in wider historical, geographical and chronological context. Key differences between the whig and tory parties as they developed in Ireland and Britain are considered. The development and size of the Irish print industry, the market for printed works and the regulatory framework in which Irish publishers operated will also receive attention here. Finally the approach and content of the monograph are introduced.