The Speeches (In Full) of the Rt. Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., and William O'Brien, M.P., on Home Rule, Delivered in Parliament, Feb. 16 and 17, 1888.

Author William Smith O'Brien (October 17, 1803 - June 18, 1864) was an Irish nationalist, the member of parliament (MP) and leader of the Young Ireland movement. He encouraged the use of the Irish language among his compatriots. He was declared guilty by the government of incitement and participating in the revolt of young Irelanders of 1848. It was decided to punish him with the death sentence, but eventually the punishment was replaced on the deportation to Van Diemen lands. He was associated with the land reform campaigns in Ireland as well as fighting for Irish self-government. During his imprisonment until April 1882, he compiled the famous manifesto "Land War without Rent" - a rent retention scheme personally led by O'Brien. It consequently led to an escalation of the conflict between the Land League and the Gladstone government.