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R. D. Blackmore

RICHARD DODDRIDGE BLACKMORE was born at Longworth, Berkshire, England, June 7, 1825. He was educated at Blundell's School, Tiverton, and at Exeter College, Oxford, where he obtained a scholarship. His first publication was a volume of poems which showed no particular promise, nor did a later volume; but he was, nevertheless, ambitious to succeed, and enthusiastic in his pursuit of literature. A complete breakdown in health rendered it necessary for him to leave city life in London, and he determined to combine a literary life in the country with a business career as a market-gardener. He settled down in Teddington, and set earnestly to work. Several publications followed, the first novel being "Clara Vaughan," the merits of which were promptly recognized. But it was in 1869 that he suddenly sprang into fame with "Lorna Doone." This story was one of the first in the revival of the romantic novel, and appearing, as it did, at a time when the reading public was waiting and ready for a work of this type, it was a great success, and pronounced a novel of "singular charm, vigor, and imagination."

Though Blackmore wrote many other stories, none has reached the popular heart like "Lorna Doone"; and he will be remembered chiefly as the author of this charming story, which is a classic of the west country. Many pilgrimages are made annually to the Doone Valley, although the actual characteristics of the scene of the story differ greatly from the descriptions inspired by the lively imagination of the author. "Lorna Doone" is a truly outdoor story; at times it is very dramatic and picturesque and threaded with adventure.

Blackmore kept to his quiet country life to the last, and passed away at Teddington on January 20, 1900.