Edward Dowden

“ ARMSTRONG, EDMUND JOHN (1841–1865) , a poet who died in early manhood, was born in Dublin 23 July 1841. As a boy he was distinguished by his adventurous spirit, romantic temper united with humour and love of frolic, and his passionate delight in music and literature. Long rambles among the Dublin and Wicklow mountains gave inspiration and colour to his verse. ”

“ For some time before his death he was engaged in revising his translation for a third German edition, which appeared in the Tauchnitz series (Leipzig, 1867) after the translator's death. Dr. Anster died in Dublin, 9 June 1867, aged 73, leaving two sons and three daughters. His social charm, kindly wit, and wide literary culture rendered Anster a delightful companion. A portrait of him at the age of forty-six will be found in the 'Dublin University Magazine,' November 1839. To "Wills's 'Lives of Illustrious Irishmen' Anster contributed the life of Gerald, sixteenth Earl of Desmond. ”

“ From 1837 to 1856 he was a frequent contributor of prose and verse to the 'Dublin University Magazine.' Among these articles, mainly historical and literary, may be found a series on Italian poets. At a later date, from 1847 onward, he contributed to the 'North British Review,' first dealing with Irish affairs at a critical moment, 1847-49, then choosing literary topics ('Life and Writings of Shelley,' 'Swift and his Biographers,' 'Southey's Life and Correspondence,' 'Life and Letters of Campbell,' 'Autobiography of Leigh Hunt,' 'Dante') . ”