Edward Moore (dramatist) facts for kids
Edward Moore (born March 22, 1712, died March 1, 1757) was an English writer. He wrote plays and many other things. He was born in Abingdon, England. His father was a minister.
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Edward Moore: A Famous Playwright
Edward Moore became well-known for his plays. One of his most famous works was Fables for the Female Sex, published in 1744. He also wrote The Trial of Selim the Persian (1748) and two plays called The Foundling (1748) and Gil Blas (1751).
The Gamester: His Most Famous Play
Moore's most important play was The Gamester. It was first performed in 1753. A very famous actor named David Garrick played the main character, Beverley. This play was about a gambler and became very popular. It was performed many times in England and the United States for a hundred years after Moore passed away. A famous line from the play, "rich beyond the dreams of avarice," is spoken by Mrs. Beverley in the second act. This play is why Edward Moore is still remembered today.
Writing for Newspapers and Poetry
Besides plays, Edward Moore also wrote poetry. He was good at writing poems that sounded like the works of other famous poets like John Gay and Thomas Gray.
He also helped run a weekly newspaper called The World. This newspaper was published from 1753 to 1757. It was similar to another popular newspaper of the time called The Rambler. Moore had help from important people like Lord Lyttelton, Lord Chesterfield, and Horace Walpole to create The World.
In 1756, he collected all his poems, fables, and plays into one book. He called it Poems, Fables and Plays.
Later Life and Legacy
Edward Moore died in Lambeth, England, on March 1, 1757. After he died, his Dramatic Works (all his plays) were published in 1788. His writings, especially The Gamester, left a lasting mark on English theater.
