Desmond Lumley Ryan, A Dictionary of Music and Musicians (1900)
“ Being fairly well read, a dabbler in literature, an enthusiastic admirer of art, a good amateur musician, and a keen follower of the stage, Mr. Ryan determined to quit Edinburgh and try his fortune in London. ”
Desmond Lumley Ryan, A Dictionary of Music and Musicians (1900)
“ RYAN, Michael Desmond, dramatic and musical critic, was born at Kilkenny, March 3, 1816, one of the numerous offspring of Dr. Michael Ryan, a physician of some position in the county. On the completion of his academical education at an early age, he entered the University of Edinburgh, early in the year 1832, for the purpose of studying medicine. He remained in Edinburgh steadily pursuing his studies for some three years, and had made satisfactory progress until it came to the dissecting room, at which his sensitive nature revolted. ”
Desmond Lumley Ryan, A Dictionary of Music and Musicians (1900)
“ In 1849 he wrote the libretto of 'Charles II.' for Mr. G. A. Macfarren. The subject was taken from a well-known comedy by Howard Payne, rendered popular at Covent Garden by Charles Kemble's acting some quarter of a century before. ”
