The National Library of Ireland's holdings constitute the most comprehensive collection of Irish documentary material in the world. Originally the Library of the Dublin Society, founded in 1731, it opened to the public in 1836 as a National Library. The holdings in 1836 were largely scientific and technical, but over time the acquisitions policy became more general, with an emphasis on acquiring material of Irish interest. In 1863, the Library received a significant and valuable donation of books, prints, music and manuscripts from Jaspar Robert Joly. The collections include printed books (including the Joly, Dix, Thom, Griffin and Yeats collections), periodicals, newspapers, maps, music, photographs, prints, drawings, ephemera and manuscripts. Samples of the correspondence, diaries, drafts and notes of writers such as Maria Edgeworth, W.B. Yeats and Colm Toibin, give an insight into Ireland's rich literary tradition. AUTHOR: Stacey Herbert and Elizabeth Kirwan are keepers at the National Library of Ireland. 65 colour o55 b/w illustrations
