Edmund Downey facts for kids
Edmund Downey (who sometimes wrote as F. M. Allen) was an Irish writer, newspaper editor, and book publisher. He was born in Waterford, Ireland, on July 24, 1856, and passed away there on February 11, 1937.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edmund Downey went to school in Waterford. He attended Catholic University High School and later St. John's College. After finishing his education, he moved to London, England.
Working in London
From 1878 to 1906, Edmund Downey worked as a journalist in London. He was also involved with the Southwark Irish Literary Club, which was a group for Irish writers and thinkers. For several years, from 1879 to 1884, he helped edit Tinsley's Magazine with William Tinsley.
Starting a Publishing Company
In 1884, Edmund Downey and Osbert Ward started their own publishing company called Ward & Downey. This company published many books by Irish writers. Some of these authors included John Augustus O'Shea, Richard Dowling (who was Downey's cousin), Richard Ashe King, Standish O'Grady, Hester Sigerson, and Joseph Fogerty. They also published books by English writers with Irish family connections, like Tighe Hopkins.
Edmund Downey left Ward & Downey in 1890. A few years later, in 1894, he started his own publishing company. He wrote more than 20 books himself. Some of his books were published by well-known companies like Heinemann and Chatto & Windus. Many of his novels were fantasy stories or early science fiction.
Return to Waterford and Politics
In 1906, Edmund Downey moved back to his hometown of Waterford. There, he became the owner and editor of the Waterford News newspaper. His newspaper supported Sinn Féin, an Irish political party. During the Irish War of Independence, he became an important helper for Sinn Féin, managing their money. Later, when the Fianna Fáil political party was formed in 1926, Downey supported them too.
Family Life
Edmund Downey was married twice. His first wife was Frances Margaret Downey, and they had seven children together. She passed away in 1918. Later, he married Bridget Josephine Downey.
