PREFACE.
only compiled by an Irishwoman, but is also published, printed and illustrated in Dublin. For dates, the "Dictionary of National Biography" has been mainly consulted, and also that excellent work, "Webb's Compendium of Irish Biography," Other authorities are Walpole's "Diary and Correspondence," E. Owen Blackburne's "Illustrious Irishwomen," Lord Dufferin's Memoir of his mother, Frances Gerard's "Some Celebrated Beauties of the Eighteenth Century," Mr. Percy Fitzgerald's "Kings and Queens of an Hour," and Gilbert's "History of Dublin."
The illustrations are principally taken from portraits in the National Gallery of Dublin, permission having been obtained for the purpose.
One portrait, that of Miss Farren, has been copied from a coloured print of Bartolozzi, now in my possession.
