George Croly

Croly, George, Rev., LL.D., poet, dramatic author, novelist, and divine, was born in Dublin in 1780. Having received his education in Trinity College, he went to London, and became distinguished in the world of letters. Besides theological and polemical works, his writings extended over a wide field of literary labour. His Salathiel, and other works of fiction, enjoyed considerable popularity in their day. Throughout life he was a staunch Tory, and rendered material service to his party by contributions to Blackwood and other periodicals. He died suddenly, 24th November 1860, aged 80. His remains were interred in the church of St. Stephen's, Walbrook, London, of which he had for many years been rector. Allibone, who styles him "one of the most voluminous writers of the day," enumerates thirty of his works. The Athenaeum pronounces Salathiel "one of the most splendid productions among works of fiction that the age has brought forth." Mrs. Hall speaks of him thus: "Dr. Croly is an almost universal poet. He is grand and gorgeous, but rarely tender and affectionate; he builds a lofty and magnificent temple, but it is too cold and stately to be a home for the heart." His eloquence, his massive form, grave and flexible countenance, and sonorous voice, rendered him a most attractive pulpit orator.

Sources

7. Annual Register. London, 1756-1877.

16. Authors, Dictionary of British and American: S. Austin Allibone. 3 vols. Philadelphia, 1859-'71.