"'Nothing but a printer's devil ever drives me into finishing': the Genesis of Thomas Moore's Irish Melodies'

This chapter outlines the working methods of the prolific writer and lyricist Thomas Moore—which were characterized by the unfortunate combination of a perfectionist streak, a tendency to release material to the publishers while still in the creative mode, and a tendency to re-visit previously-published material. The Gibson-Massie Moore collection at Queen's University Belfast teaches us a great deal about Moore’s creative processes, and also records the nineteenth-century publishing industry’s response to one of its most prolific and popular creative artists. This chapter is illustrated by an online Exhibition, the 'Thomas Moore Project', Digital Collections, Special Collections, McClay library (see URL below).

Thomas Moore Music Project:The Genesis of Thomas Moore's Irish Melodies

This is a selection of images from the Gibson-Massie Moore Collection, supplement by a table created by curator Sarah McCleave. The purpose is to identify the numerous creators involved in the Irish Melodies series (music editor, illustrators, engravers, etc.), and to illustrate some characteristics kinds of variants

John T. Moore, Pianist, April 10, 1949

Concert Program for John T. Moore, Pianist, April 10, 1994

James Corbin Letter - October 2, 1813

Letter transcription: Dear Sir, The reason I did not come to tend your mill last spring was because the letter you wrote me dated 1 of March I didn’t receive it until the 12 of April and inform me that if I could be there in 2 or 3 weeks you would employ me as we agreed and therefore I concluded it would not do any good for me to come. It was a great disappointment to me because I was all ready to come whenever I got word. It is impossible for me to come now for I am in partnership with my brother in the farm and Mills and must take care our crops and settle our [bushels] this winter. I know nothing to the contrary but what I can come next spring I will let you know by uncle Corbin this winter. James Corbin

Indenture Lease by Timothy Street to Stroughton Moore

Indenture by which Timothy Street of Niagara Township allowed Stroughton Moore of Lewiston, New York to lease a brick house in the Village of St. Davids for $160.00 payable annually. Mr. Moore would also have use of half the barn. Ezekiel Woodruff was a witness to the signing of this lease, January 29, 1822.

Indenture of Sawmill Water Leased to Stroughton Moore by David Secord

Indenture stating that David Secord of St. Davids, leased the sawmill water in St. Davids to Stroughton Moore of St. Davids for 50 pounds a year. This document was witnessed by Ezekiel and William Woodruff, July 22, 1824.

Indenture between Timothy Street and Abigail Street to Stroughton Moore

Indenture of bargain and sale between Timothy Street and Abigail Street of Toronto to Stroughton Moore of St. Davids for one part of Lot no. 1 in the town of St. Davids and part of Lot no. 90 in the Township of Niagara - instrument no. 8709, June 1, 1832.

Indenture between Stroughton Moore and George Jackson

Indenture of bargain and sale between Stroughton Moore of St. Davids and George Jackson of St. Davids for part of Lot no. 90 in the Township of Niagara - instrument no. 10.818, July 27, 1835.

Indenture between Maria Moore and Richard Woodruff

Indenture of bargain and sale between Maria Moore of St. Davids and Richard Woodruff of St. Davids, executor of the Last Will and Testament of Stroughton Moore, deceased regarding land in the town of Hamilton - instrument no. 298, July 8, 1843.

Receipt from Mrs. Moore to Mr. Woodruff

Receipt from Mrs. Moore to Mr. Woodruff for items including: trimmings for vest, 1 pair of gloves and yards of brown Holland. This paper has been torn at the left side and at the bottom. This does not affect the text, Sept. 5, 1843.