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Thomas Moore

Born 1779 Died 1852

Irish poet, and lyrist. Moore's work goes from lyric to satire, from prose romance to history and biography. He was most popular for his IRISH MELODIES which appeared in ten parts between 1807 and 1835. In the 18th century being a skillful writer and good musician of songs set them to Irish tunes.

Thomas Moore was born in Dublin and was the son of a grocer. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and London. His first published book was The Poetical Works Of Thomas Little in 1801. His Epistles, Oder AND Other Poems were published in 1806, and aroused moral irritation but, his songs which were based on folk tunes became very popular and gained sympathy for the Irish nationalists. His most well known songs were 'The Last Rose of Summer' and 'Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms.'

In 1813 Moore issued The Two Penney Post Bag, a collection of satires against the prince regent. He was paid huge sum of £3000 for his widely translated narrative poem Lalla Rookh., which was published in 1817. Moore was put in debtors prison in 1819 Moore due to a deputy in Bermuda who misappropriated £6000. The responsibily of this debt feel on Moore. Due to this he went with Lord John Russell to Italy and stayed till the debt had been paid in full not returning till 1822. In 1823 Moore's poem Loves Of The Angels although financially successful became notorious for it eroticism

In 1835 he published The Fudges of England, a light satire about an Irish priest turned Protestant evangelist and on the sentimental literary absurdities of the day, and was awarded a literary pension. Moore was a popular writer for the rest of his life and was awarded a Civil List pension in 1850. Thomas Moore died on February 25, 1852.