This edition of the writings of Theobald Wolfe Tone (1763-98), barrister, United Irishman, agent of the Catholic Committee and later an officer in the French revolutionary army, is intended to comprehend all his writings and largely to supersede the two-volume Life of Theobald Wolfe Tone ... written by himself that was edited by his son, William, and published at Washington in 1826. It consists mainly of Tone's correspondence, diaries, autobiography, pamphlets, public addresses and miscellaneous memoranda (both personal and public); it is based on the original MSS if extant or on the most reliable printed sources. Tone's participation in Irish politics in the early 1790s and his presence on the periphery of the ruling circle in revolutionary France from February 1796 to September 1798 would be sufficient to make his writings a major historical source. The literary quality of his letters, diaries and autobiography enhances their importance. The unique quality of Tone's writings is that they are the production of a gifted and convivial young Irishman who moved widely in intellectual and political circles.
This volume _ Tone's career in Ireland to June 1975 _ is the first of three. It is to be followed shortly by volumes II _ ('America, France and Bantry Bay, August 1795 to December 1796') and III ('France, the Rhine, Lough Swilly and death of Tone, January 1797 to November 1798'). A bibliography of Theobald Wolfe Tone and index to all three volumes are to appear in volume III.
This volume covers Tone's career in Ireland to June 1795. The centrepiece is formed by Tone's journals, written with fluency and sparkle, and a delight to read. The journals are also an invaluable historical source ... this edition stands as the definitive scholarly version ... first-class scholarship. This edition does full justice to Tone's writings and provides an indispensable source for students of the 1790s. One hopes that the remaining two volumes will appear as soon as possible, and match the high standards set in this volume.
