1877 Controversial Lawyer and Poet Edward Vaughan Kenealy Pens a Note Accompanying a Copy of His Poetic Works

On offer is a handwritten letter from Edward Vaughan Kenealy dated January 7, (1877). sending a copy of his Poetical Works (not included) to an undisclosed recipient. Written on purple embossed 'Cenngaelan' letterhead from Stoke House, London, and signed by Kenealy.

Edward Vaughan Hyde Kenealy (1819-1880) was an Irish barrister and writer. In 1850, he published an eccentric poem inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Goethe: a New Pantomime. He also published a large amount of poetry in journals, such as Fraser's Magazine, and his The Poetical Works of Edward Vaughan Kenealy, mostly random writings collected in three volumes, 1875–9. Kenealy also acted as the Claimant's council in the famous Tichborne case . During the trial, Kenealy abused witnesses, made scurrilous allegations against various Roman Catholic institutions, treated the judges with disrespect, and protracted the trial until it became the longest in English legal history. His violent conduct of the case became a public scandal and, after rejecting his client's claim, the jury censured his behaviour. He was eventually disbarred.

One page on an embossed card, 4-½ x 6-¼ inches. Evidence of a horizontal fold and age-toning. Very Good condition.