Narrative

16. Perhaps Moore’s greatest creative endeavor was the writing of lyrics for Irish folk melodies, a project which would span several decades and ten volumes. The completed collection, entitled Irish Melodies (1808-1834), gained further recognition thanks to Moore’s frequent performance of the folk songs for his many literary and artistic friends. Moore’s musicality and penchant for performance helped galvanize his lasting reputation as a renowned Irish lyricist and earned him the nickname “Melody” Moore. This volume of The Pocket Magazine of Classic and Polite Literature (v.1, new series: 1824) includes an engraving from Moore’s Irish Melodies.