"For the first time since the Middle Ages the needs of the Irish people now shape the policy of an Irish Government. We in our day have seen what generations of our people hoped in vain to see - the victorious outcome of the struggle for independence. A native government, member of the European comity of nations, now rules where a foreign oligarchy had its stronghold, and the longest and most evil chapter in Irish history has been closed." The writer goes on to say that while it cannot be claimed that more than a beginning has been made, the foundations have been laid on which the future security and prosperity of the country are being built.
This was the editor's introduction to Saorstat Eireann: Official Handbook, a solid production on heavy, high-quality paper and written and illustrated by some of the most talented people in the various disciplines. The artists include Paul Henry, Sean Keating, Sean O'Sullivan, Maurice Mac Conagal, Estella Solomons, Mary Duncan, Hilda Roberts, Harry Kernoff. And even the drop capitals of the initial word in each chapter were by the same artists. No glossy or coloured plates, all the same sepia as that of the text. And the contributors included many of the outstanding figures in their particular field. Thus, Praeger on the fauna and flora of the country; Eoin Mac Neill on the history of their country much more than twenty pages; Professor George O'Brien on Trade and Commerce, Seamus Delargy on Folklore; Robert Lynd on Anglo-Irish Literature; Gerard Murphy on Irish Literature. Thirty three chapters including also Archaeology, Modern Irish Art, and Architecture. And, of course, the Irish language and its struggle.
The front cover is an elaborate Celtic motif. No price is marked, so it was likely something to be distributed to foreign embassies and other organisations and people who, it was felt, should know what was in the minds of the then shapers of the new State. The printing is by Hely's, paper by Swiftbrook paper mills, plates by the Irish Photo Engraving Company, Dublin and it was published by The Talbot Press in 1932. The editor, whose words were quoted in the opening lines here, was Bulmer Hobson and his committee consisted of Professor Michael Tierney; F.T. Cremins; Kevin O'Shiel, T.R. Price and W. J. Williams. Not often seen; over three hundred pages of text and illustrations; about 150 pages of advertisements: the Sweepstake, the Irish Independent and the Irish Press: First in the Nation's Interests."