A Treatise on the Copyright of Designs for Printed Fabrics;: with considerations on the Necessity of its Extension: and Copious Notices of the State of Calico printing in Belgium, Germany, and the States of the Prussian Commercial League.

WITH A FAR REACHING IMPACT ON MODERN LIFE
first edition 12mo. xvi, 283pp., 6 plates comprising 5 real samples of textiles with complex printed designs and 1 coloured lithograph), modern half dark green crushed morocco, spine panelled by gilt highlighted raised bands and with a small gilt tool at panel centres, direct lettered in gilt, marbled sides, attractive copy. Rare.
James Emerson (Belfast, 1804 - 1869) was a man of singular ability who was known throughout his life for his intellectual energy, grasp of situations, and unfailing memory. He was educated at Trinity College Dublin and proclaims himself "of Trinity College Dublin" on the title page of this work. He travelled abroad from 1824 and as a young man of radical opinions gravitated towards the great contemporary cause of radical opinion, namely the Greek nation then fighting to free itself from Ottoman control. His intention was to join the fight for Greek freedom, and while there he met Byron and was an eyewitness at least to some battles. He published two books (1826 and 1829) of his impressions.
Shortly after the publication of these early works Emerson's career changed abruptly while he was contesting the parliamentary seat of Belfast as a liberal candidate. He married the daughter of a rich Belfast banker called Tennent, changed his name and arms to Tennent, and opportunistically changed his candidature to the conservative interest, and duly entered public life as M.P. for Belfast in 1832! Thenceforth known as James Emerson Tennent he was instrumental in 1842 in legislating for the copyrighting of designs, was Secretary to the colonial Governor (and in effect actual governor) of Ceylon 1845-50, was M.P. for Lisburn 1852, and besides wrote major books on Ceylon, wine, and natural history.Without doubt it was his successful advocacy of the copyrighting of designs that has had the the most far-reaching impact on modern life. In this typically comprehensive and well organised work he reviews the contemporary situation and all the arguments for allowing designers and manufacturers to copyright their designs. That such copyright is now taken for granted is testament to the comprehensive success of the reforms he argued for, firstly in this book and then in Parliament. The merchants of Manchester were so grateful to him for getting the measure through parliament that they presented him with a service of plate valued at the then enormous sum of £3000!
By outlawing the pirating of new designs and so making innovation commercially viable Tennent's reforms enabled the multiplicity, richness and variety of designs (of all types now, not just fabrics) that has come to characterize modern everyday life, at least in the affluent West. Arguably this is the most influential book written by a nineteenth century Irishman.