T. W. Rolleston facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas William Hazen Rolleston
Born	1 May 1857
Died	5 December 1920
Occupation	Poet, writer

Thomas William Hazen Rolleston (born May 1, 1857 – died December 5, 1920) was an Irish writer and poet. He also worked as a translator, changing books from one language to another. Rolleston wrote about many different topics, from literature to politics. He lived in several places during his life, including Killiney in County Dublin, Germany, and different parts of London. He finally settled in Hampstead, London, where he passed away.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Rolleston was born on May 1, 1857. His birthplace was Glasshouse, a small area near Shinrone in County Offaly, Ireland. His father was a judge.

Rolleston went to school at St Columba's College, Dublin. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin. He also enjoyed playing the guitar.

His Career and Work

After spending some time in Germany, Thomas Rolleston started a magazine called the Dublin University Review in 1885. He published a book of poems called Poems and Ballads of Young Ireland in 1888. He also wrote a book about the life of a German writer named Lessing in 1889.

Rolleston cared a lot about Irish culture. He became the first leader of the Irish Industries' Society. In this role, he helped save many traditional Irish crafts. These included beautiful lacemaking, handmade tweeds, and glassmaking.

In the 1890s, when he lived in London, he joined a group of writers called the Rhymers' Club. He also helped start the Irish Literary Society. Rolleston sometimes disagreed with another famous Irish writer, W. B. Yeats. Yeats even called him an "intimate enemy" in his writings. Rolleston was also involved with the Gaelic League, which worked to promote the Irish language.

He wrote letters to the American poet Walt Whitman. While living in Germany, Rolleston tried to translate Whitman's famous book, Leaves of Grass, into German. He hoped to have it published there.

Besides writing, Rolleston also worked as a journalist. He also had a job as a civil servant, helping with matters related to farming and agriculture.

Family Life

Thomas Rolleston was married twice and had eight children. His first wife was Edith de Burgh. They were married until she passed away in 1896. In 1897, he married his second wife, Maud Brooke.

Important Books and Writings

Thomas Rolleston was involved with about 168 books, either as a writer or an editor. Here are some of his most well-known works:

• The Teaching of Epictetus (1888)
• Life of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1889)
• Tannhauser: a dramatic poem by Richard Wagner (illustrated by Willy Pogany) (1900)
• A Treasury of Irish Poetry in the English Tongue (with Stopford A. Brooke) (1900)
• Parallel Paths: A Study in Biology, Ethics, and Art (1908)
• The High Deeds of Finn Mac Cumhail (1910)
• Celtic Myths and Legends (also called Myths & Legends of the Celtic Race) (1911)
  • The Illustrated Guide to Celtic Mythology. London: Studio Editions, 1993 (This book is based on Myths & Legends of the Celtic Race)
• Parsifal or, The Legend of the Holy Grail (1912)
• The tale of Lohengrin, knight of the swan by Richard Wagner and T. W. Rolleston; illustrated by Willy Pogany (1913)