Blair Collection > Practical grammar of the antient Gaelic, or, Language of the Isle of Man, usually called Manks

EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION,
rXlHE Manx Grammar, like the language itself, was fast
hastening to decay. The original and only edition had
become extremely scarce; insomuch that a copy could with
difficulty be found from which to re-edit the work. At this
crisis The Manx Society opportunely intervened for its preserva-
tion. The Society was formed in 1858, " for the publication of
National Documents of the Isle of Man.^^ Among the first
works to which it turned its attention was Dr. Kelly's Manx
Grammar, which it deemed deserving of a place among its early
publications. In the restoration of this book, the Society
acknowledges its obligations to a lady, awarmfriend of the Island
and a relative of the deceased author, for the generous donation
of half the cost of the impression.
Besides the Grammar, Dr. Kelly had prepared two works of
great labour, and, in a philological point of view, great value, —
a Manx and English Dictionary, and a Triglot Dictionary of
Manx, Gaelic, and Irish, based upon English. These works are
still lying in manuscript, but complete, and ready for the press.