Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852)
Dublin, Ireland

Thomas Moore, son of a shoemaker, was a poet, satirist, and musician. His Irish Melodies is known world-wide and he earned 500 pounds annually for more than 25 years for it's publication. Although noted for his music, Moore's poetry was equally celebrated. He was paid 3,000 pounds for his poem Lalla Rookh (1817), this amount can be compared with poets like Byron and Shelley. He attended Trinity College and there, he found himself in the midst of the Irish cause. At Trinity, he was also exposed to Edward Bunting's traditional Irish music. Most of Moore's first volume was based on Bunting's work. Upon graduation, Moore moved onto law school and upon the success of his first novel, Odes of Anacreon, he was able to travel. In 1804, he lived in London where he would remain for the rest of his days.

Criticism

Moore was a charming performer that captured the hearts of his audience. However, he was also heavily involved in politics, which caused him harmful endeavors. Moore is most remembered by his Irish Melodies and biography of Byron.

Works
Irish Melodies, a group of lyrics published between 1808 and 1834 and set to music by Sir John Stevenson and others
Intercepted Letters, The Two-Penny Post Bag (1813)
Lalla Rookh (1817)
The Fudge Family in Paris (1818)

Additional Information
Selected Poetry By Moore - http://www.library.utoronto.ca/utel/rp/authors/moore.html

Sources:
Houtchens, Carolyn Washburn. The English Romantic Poets and Essayists. London: New York University Press, 1966.
Moore, Thomas," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation.