T. W. Rolleston


Thomas William Hazen Rolleston was an Irish writer, literary figure and translator, known as a poet but publishing over a wide range of literary and political topics. He lived at various times in Killiney in South Dublin, Germany, London and County Wicklow; settling finally in 1908 in Hampstead, London, where he died. His Killiney home, called Secrora, subsequently became the home of tennis player Joshua Pim.

Early years

He was born in Glasshouse, Shinrone, County Offaly, the son of a judge. He was educated at St Columba's College, Dublin and Trinity College, Dublin.

Career

After a time in Germany he founded the Dublin University Review in 1885; he published Poems and Ballads of Young Ireland, and a Life of Lessing. As the first managing director of the Irish Industries' Society, he helped preserve from extinction many Irish handicrafts, such as lace-making, handmade tweeds and glass-making. In London in the 1890s he was one of the Rhymers' Club and a founder-member of the Irish Literary Society. He was to cross paths several times, and sometimes to clash, with W. B. Yeats, who described Rolleston in his memoirs as an "intimate enemy". He was also involved in Douglas Hyde's Gaelic League.
He also spent time as a journalist, and as a civil servant involved with agriculture.

Family life

He had eight children, from two marriages.

Works

Approximately 168 books are associated with Rolleston, some as writer or editor. These are the more prominent works; publication dates listed if known.