Goodbody family history

Michael Goodbody’s book was launched in Quaker House Dublin on 25th November.  It chronicles an Irish Quaker family from 1630 to 1950.  The Goodbodys distinguished themselves as benevolent industrialists in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in the midlands where they were responsible, amongst other achievements, for the development of the prosperous town of Clara, Co. Offaly.  The book was introduced by the historian Rob Goodbody and guests at the launch, organised by the Quaker Library, included many members and generations of the family.  A comprehensive and scholarly work, published in dublin by Ashfield Press, it runs to 532 pages and is the culmination of some fifty years of research by the author.  The book is available from all good booksellers and by mail order from the Library.