While the creation of new literature ceased during most of the nineteenth century a new interest, scholarly and historical rather than literary, was developed in the preservation and study of existing literature. It was an interest shared in only by an intellectual and cultured minority, but it resulted in the publication of a number of works which had lain in manuscript for many centuries The patriotism and learning of small groups of individuals who succeeded one another throughout the century rescued from oblivion some of the most important collections of the ancient literature.

Above: Photo of Standish Hayes O’Grady