James Murphy (Irish novelist) facts for kids

James Murphy (1839 – 1921) was an Irish writer, poet, and teacher. He wrote many novels and poems, often telling stories about important times in Irish history. He also worked as an editor for a literary magazine.

Life and Career

James Murphy was born in a place called Glynn, in County Carlow, Ireland, in 1839. His father was Matthew Murphy. James decided to become a teacher and went to a special college for teachers in Marlborough Street, Dublin in 1860.

After finishing his training, James Murphy became the principal (the head teacher) at public schools in Bray. He also took on another important job there, becoming the town clerk. Later, he moved to Dublin and became a professor of maths at St. Gall's. This college later became part of the Catholic University.

In the 1890s, James Murphy worked as an inspector for the Intermediate Board of Education. This meant he checked on schools and how well students were learning. In 1887, he was living in Dublin with his family. James Murphy passed away in 1921.

His Writing Work

James Murphy wrote many books and collections of stories and poems. In the 1880s, he was the editor of a magazine called Irish Fireside. This was a literary publication, meaning it shared stories, poems, and articles about books. It was published by the Freeman's Journal, which was a well-known newspaper.

His novels often took place during important historical events in Ireland. For example, some of his stories were set during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This was a big uprising in Irish history. He also had many historical poems, called ballads, published in newspapers and magazines like The Nation and The Irishman.

Selected Works

Here are some of the books James Murphy wrote:

• Convict No. 25, or the Clearances of Westmeath (1883)
• The Forge of Clohogue (1885)
• The House in the Rath (1886)
• The Fortunes of Maurice O’Donnell (1887)
• Hugh Roach, Ribbonman (1887)
• The Shan Van Vocht (1889)
• The Haunted Church (1889)
• Luke Talbot (1890)
• The Flight from the Cliffs (1911)
• The Inside Passenger (1913)