Charlotte Brontë, author of "Jane Eyre," died on this day in 1885. She was born in 1816 to the Reverend Patrick Brontë (formerly Brunty) and Maria Branwell. Maria died of cancer while her six children were still very young. Charlotte's father sent her away to school, where conditions were so terrible that Charlotte's two older sisters died of tuberculosis. Her experiences at … [Read more...] about March 31, 1855
Today In History
October 16, 1854
One of Ireland's most famous playwrights and novelists, Oscar Wilde was born on this day in Dublin in 1854. Wilde was born to a wealthy family. His father was an eminent Dublin surgeon and his mother was a talented poet, where Wilde likely inherited his passion for writing from. He attended Trinity College Dublin and then went on to study at Magdalen College Oxford. His works, … [Read more...] about October 16, 1854
February 25, 1852
Thomas Moore, the famous Irish poet who penned the lyrics to "The Minstrel Boy" and "The Last Rose of Summer," died on this day in 1852. Born in Dublin in 1779, Moore showed an early interest in music. While studying law at Middle Temple in London, Moore gained recognition for ballads such as "The Meeting of the Waters." His earliest works were published in "Moore's Irish … [Read more...] about February 25, 1852
February 24, 1852
George Moore, Irish novelist most famous his books Confessions of a Young Man and Esther Waters, was born on February 24, 1852. His work heavily influenced James Joyce in its modernism and influenced many others with its mysticism. Moore spent much of his early days in Paris and London, first wanting to become an artist but then turning to writing. Confessions of a Young Man is … [Read more...] about February 24, 1852
September 4, 1851
John Dillon, Irish nationalist and Home Rule activist, was born on September 4, 1851 in Dublin to the former "Young Irelander" John Black Dillon. After joining Isaac Butt's Home Rule League in 1873, he gained attention by criticizing Butt's mishandling of the Home Rule bill in parliament in 1879. He became an original member of the Irish National Land League. Dillon eventually … [Read more...] about September 4, 1851