George O'Brien (writer) facts for kids

George O'Brien was born on February 14, 1945, in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland. He is a well-known Irish writer and academic. He is especially famous for writing memoirs, which are true stories about his own life.

George O'Brien's Early Life and Education

George O'Brien had an interesting childhood. After his mother passed away, his grandmother raised him in Lismore, County Waterford. He went to St. Augustine College in Dungarvan for his schooling.

Moving to Dublin and London

In 1962, George moved to Dublin to live with his father and stepmother. He studied to become an electronic engineer at the College of Technology, Kevin Street. This college is now part of the Dublin Institute of Technology. He also worked as an apprentice photographer.

Later, he moved to London, England. There, he took on various jobs like working as a barman, a clerk, and even selling encyclopedias.

University Studies and Teaching Career

George O'Brien continued his education at Ruskin College, Oxford, starting in 1968. He then went to Warwick University in 1970. He earned a Bachelor's degree in English and American Literature in 1973. He later completed his PhD in 1980.

After his studies, he began teaching at universities. He taught at the University of Birmingham in 1974 and at Clare College, Cambridge, in 1975. From 1976 to 1980, he lectured at Warwick University.

Teaching in the United States

In 1980, George O'Brien moved to the United States. He became a visiting assistant professor at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. He taught there until 1984.

Since 1984, he has been a professor of English at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.. He first became an associate professor and then a full professor. He has taught there for many years, sharing his knowledge with students.

George O'Brien's Books and Writings

George O'Brien is best known for his memoirs. These are books where he shares personal stories and experiences from his life.

His Famous Memoirs

• The Village of Longing: An Irish Boyhood in the Fifties (1987): This book tells about his childhood in Ireland during the 1950s.
• Dancehall Days, or Love in Dublin (1988): This memoir explores his experiences and relationships in Dublin.
• Out of Our Minds (1994): Another personal story from his life.

Other Works and Awards

Besides his memoirs, George O'Brien has also written studies about the Irish playwright Brian Friel. He also helped edit The Ireland Anthology with Sean Dunne.

His book, The Village of Longing, received special recognition. It won the Irish Book Awards silver medal and the John Eddeyrn Hughes Prize. George O'Brien has also written articles about literature for the Irish Times newspaper.

More Information

• Learn more about George O'Brien at Irish Writers Online
• Read a review of his book Out of Our Minds
• See Professor George O'Brien's listing at Georgetown University