George Moore (novelist)

George Augustus Moore (February 24, 1852 - January 21, 1933) was an Irish novelist, short story writer, poet, art critic, memoirist and dramatist. Moore came from a Roman Catholic landed family, originally intended to be an artist, and studied art in Paris during the 1870s. There he befriended many of the leading French artists and writers of the day.

Family background and early life

Moore was born in the family home, Moore Hall, by Lough Carra, County Mayo. The house had been built by his paternal great-grandfather, another George Moore, who had made his fortune as a wine merchant in Alicante. The novelist's grandfather was a friend of Maria Edgeworth and wrote An Historical Memoir of the French Revolution. His great-uncle, John Moore, was president of the short-lived Republic of Connaught during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. His father, George Henry Moore, served as MP for Mayo in the House of Commons in London. Renowned as a good landlord, George Henry fought for tenants' rights. He was one of the founders of the Catholic Defence Association. The estate consisted of 12,371 acres (50 km²) in Mayo with a further 110 acres (0.4 km²) in County Roscommon.

Related Topics:
Lough Carra - County Mayo - Alicante - Maria Edgeworth - President - Irish Rebellion of 1798 - George Henry Moore - MP - House of Commons - London - Catholic Defence Association - County Roscommon

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As a child, Moore enjoyed the novels of Sir Walter Scott, which his mother read to him. He had spent a good deal of time outdoors with his brother Maurice. He also became friendly with the young Oscar and Willie Wilde, who spent their summer holidays at nearby Moytura. Moore's formal education consisted of two years spent at St. Mary's College, Oscott, near Birmingham, between the ages of 14 and 16. He was expelled for (in his own words) 'idleness and general worthlessness', and returned to Mayo.

Related Topics:
Walter Scott - Oscar - Moytura - St. Mary's College, Oscott - Birmingham

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