Rory O'More: A National Romance

Based on a historical figure, an Irish leader in the rising of 1641, 'Rory O'More' was first penned by Lover as a ballad, the hero successfully courting Kathleen Bawn, 'soft as the dawn'. This was developed in 1837 into novel form and immediately made Lover's name as an author. The success and appeal of Rory O'More led to its adaptation for the London stage, and the dramatisation ran in the Adelphi theatre for 100 nights. Part contemporary love tale, part social commentary, this evocative work is a classic of its time.