John O'Keeffe (1747–1833) was an Irish playwright who began his career as an actor in 1764. His first significant success as a writer was the play The Son-in-Law in 1779, and he was later called 'our English Molière' by essayist William Hazlitt. He moved to London in 1781 - around the same time that his marriage broke down - and wrote a string of successful comic operas and dramatic works, including Wild Oats (1791). However, he suffered from failing eyesight and was nearly blind at the height of his fame. He dictated this memoir, published in two volumes in 1826, to his daughter, Adelaide (1776–1865). Volume 1 deals with his childhood and early career in Ireland. Volume 2 covers his successful years in London theatrical life and his eventual retirement.
Contents
Volume 1: Preface; 1. Birth; 2. The Franchises of Dublin; 3. August 12, 1762; 4. Return to Dublin; 5. Limerick; 6. Kilkenny; 7. Lord Taaffe; 8. Youthful parties in Dublin; 9. English actors in Dublin; 10. Marriage. Volume 2: 1. London; 2. Princess Amelia; 3. Charlotte-street, Portland-place; 4. Leave London for Dorsetshire, 20th June, 1791; 5. Durdle-door or Barn-door Rock, Lulworth; 6. William Lewis and Frederick Reynolds; 7. The World in a Village; 8. Publication of the author's dramatic works in four volumes; Appendix.
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