Joseph Campbell (poet) facts for kids

Joseph Campbell (born July 15, 1879 – died June 6, 1944) was an Irish poet and lyricist. He also used the Irish form of his name, Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil. Campbell is a common English version of the old Irish name MacCathmhaoil. He is most famous for writing words for traditional Irish songs. Some of his well-known songs include My Lagan Love and Gartan Mother's Lullaby. Other composers like Arnold Bax and Ivor Gurney also used his poems for their music.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Campbell was born in Belfast, Ireland. His family was Catholic and supported Irish independence. He went to school at St Malachy's College in Belfast. After working for his father for a while, he became a teacher.

In 1902, he traveled to Dublin. There, he met many important people who supported Irish independence. He started his writing career by collecting traditional songs in Antrim. He also worked with the composer Herbert Hughes.

Literary Beginnings

In 1904, Joseph Campbell helped start the Ulster Literary Theatre. This theater group aimed to promote Irish plays and writers. He wrote a play called The Little Cowherd of Slainge. He also wrote several articles for the theater's magazine, Uladh. His play was performed in Belfast in May 1905.

In 1905, he moved to Dublin but could not find a job. The next year, 1906, he moved to London. In London, he continued to be involved in Irish writing groups while working as a teacher.

Family and Return to Ireland

Joseph Campbell got married in 1910 to Nancy Maude. Soon after, they moved back to Dublin. Later, they settled in County Wicklow. His play Judgement was performed at the famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin in April 1912.

Involvement in Irish History

Campbell supported the Easter Rising in 1916. This was an important event where Irish rebels fought for independence. He helped with rescue work during this time. The next year, he translated short stories by Patrick Pearse from Irish into English. Pearse was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising.

In 1921, he became a local council member for Sinn Féin in Wicklow. Sinn Féin is an Irish political party. During the Irish Civil War, he supported the Republican side. This meant he was against the treaty that divided Ireland. Because of his views, he was held as a prisoner in 1922 and 1923.

Life in America and Later Years

After the Civil War, his marriage ended. In 1925, he moved to the United States. He lived in New York City. He gave lectures at Fordham University. He also worked in Irish studies, which is the study of Irish language, history, and culture. In 1928, he started the University's School of Irish Studies. This school lasted for four years.

He was also the editor of a magazine called The Irish Review for a short time in 1934. In 1939, Joseph Campbell returned to Ireland. He settled in Glencree, County Wicklow. He passed away at Lacken Daragh, Enniskerry, on June 6, 1944.

Works

Joseph Campbell wrote many books of poems and plays. Here are some of his published works:

• Songs of Uladh (1904) with Seaghan Campbell
• The Old Woman (poems)
• The Little Cowherd of Slainge (1904) play
• The Garden of the Bees (1905) poems
• The Rush-Light (1906) poems
• The Man-Child (1907) poems
• The Gilly of Christ (1907) poems
• The Mountainy Singer (1909) poems
• Mearing Stones (1911) travel writing
• Judgment: A Play (1912)
• Irishry (1913) poems
• Earth of Cualann (1917) poems
• Collected Poems of Joseph Campbell (1963)
• As I was Among the Captives: Joseph Campbell's Prison Diary (2001), edited by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin
• I Will Go with My Father A-Ploughing
• Four Irish Songs (n.d.) by Charlottr Milligan Fox, illustrations as Seaghan MacCathmhaiol.

See also

• John Patrick Campbell, his brother
• List of Irish writers