‘J. de Jean’ was the nom-de-plume of John Frazer (c. 1804–1852), a Presbyterian of Huguenot extraction, cabinet-maker and a native of Birr, co. Offaly.

As a young man he started writing poetry, and his first work – a lengthy poem entitled ‘Eva O’Connor’ was published in 1826 (Richard Milliken, Grafton Street, Dublin). During the 1840s individual poems, increasingly expressing a radicalised politics, appeared in the newspapers and periodicals of the day.  

Three local historians have worked to collate this poetry and publish it as a volume in partnership with Offaly History.  The launch will be in Birr on Friday 18th November 2022.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.