A rare first edition work by Longford's captivating novelist to go on display in Dublin

2026 is a significant year in the history of the romantic novel. One of the earliest novels published was Maria Edgeworth’s Belinda (1801).

Maria was one of the first, if not the first female novelist to publish under her own name. She was to be an inspiration to such famous writers such as Sir Walter Scott and Jane Austen.

The novel Belinda was unique for the period, it was also controversial as to the issues it addressed. She broached the subjects of interracial marriage, same sex relationships, breast cancer, gambling and alcohol addiction. The issue of interracial marriage was problematic for Maria and was removed in the second edition only to be reinstated in an 1834 edition.

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As 2026 is the 225th anniversary of the publication of Belinda, the Maria Edgeworth Centre are planning to hold a number of events in celebration.

These celebrations began with the recent acquisition of a rare three volume first edition of the novel. This was acquired through the generosity of local councillor Seamus Butler.

The volumes will now go on display in the Maria Edgeworth Centre.

On the March 26, Dubray Books, Grafton Street, will have a display of the novel and there will be a reception to celebrate the event. It will be followed at 4pm by a lecture and discussion in the Long Room Hub, Trinity College by Professor Jim Chandler of the University of Chicago.

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Plans are well advanced for other exciting celebrations throughout the year.

For details of the events, contact the Maria Edgeworth Centre on info@mariaedgeworthcentre.com