James Wills (poet) facts for kids

James Wills (born January 1, 1790 – died November 1868) was an Irish writer and poet. He is remembered for his many books and poems that explored different ideas and stories.

Wills was born in County Roscommon, Ireland. He was the younger son in a family that owned land. He went to Trinity College in Dublin for his education. After that, he studied law in London at the Middle Temple. However, due to family reasons, he could not continue his law career. Instead, he decided to join the Church.

Early Career and Writings

From 1822 to 1838, James Wills lived in Dublin. During this time, he became a busy writer. He wrote for popular magazines like the Dublin University Magazine and Blackwood's Magazine. He also helped Reverend Caesar Otway to start the Irish Quarterly Review, another important publication.

Notable Works and Poems

James Wills published his first book of poems, The Disembodied and other Poems, in 1831. A few years later, in 1835, his book The Philosophy of Unbelief came out and got a lot of attention. He also wrote a famous poem called "The Universe." This poem was actually published in 1821 under the name of another writer, Charles Maturin, but James Wills was its true author.

From 1841 to 1842, James Wills took on an important role as the editor of the Dublin University Magazine.

Major Literary Achievements

One of James Wills's biggest projects was a large work called Lives of Illustrious and Distinguished Irishmen. This collection was published in six volumes between 1840 and 1847. It told the stories of many important Irish people. His very last book, The Idolatress, was published in 1868, the year he passed away.

All of James Wills's writings showed that he had a strong and unique way of thinking. His poems were lively and often had dramatic qualities, like scenes from a play.

Later Life and Family

James Wills passed away in November 1868 in Attanagh, County Laois. His son, William Gorman Wills, also became a famous artist. William was known as both a dramatist (someone who writes plays) and a painter.