M'Carthy, Justin
M'Carthy, Justin,
1830–1912, Irish historian, politician, and novelist. After a long career in journalism, he entered the British Parliament in 1879, advocating home rule for Ireland. He was at first a supporter of, then head of the opposition to, Charles ParnellParnell, Charles Stewart, 1846–91, Irish nationalist leader. Haughty and sensitive, Parnell was only a mediocre orator, but he possessed a marked personal fascination and was a shrewd political and parliamentary tactician.
..... Click the link for more information. . His novels include Dear Lady Disdain (1875) and Miss Misanthrope (1878). Best known as a historian, he wrote A History of Our Own Times (7 vol., 1879–1905) and began The Four Georges and William IV (4 vol., 1884–1901). It was completed by his son, Justin Huntly M'Carthy, 1860–1936. Also a member of Parliament (1884–92) and a versatile writer, he was best known for his novel If I Were King (1901), which he based on the life of François VillonVillon, François
, 1431–1463?, French poet, b. Paris, whose original name was François de Montcorbier or François Des Loges. One of the earliest great poets of France, Villon was largely rediscovered in the 19th cent.
..... Click the link for more information. . His later dramatization of the novel became the basis for the operetta The Vagabond King.