St. John Greer Ervine (1883–1971,) born John Greer Irvine, was an Irish playwright, novelist, critic, theater manager, and biographer known for his contributions to early 20th-century literature and theater. The most prominent Ulster writer of his time, he influenced the plays of W. B. Yeats and Sean O’Casey.
Born in Ballymacarrett, east Belfast, he was raised in a Protestant working-class family and worked as an insurance clerk before moving to London to pursue writing.
Ervine gained prominence for his realistic depictions of Irish life, pioneering local realism in the Irish literary renaissance. His first full-length play, Mixed Marriage (1911,) was produced by Abbey Theatre and became one of its most successful productions. Other notable plays include Jane Clegg (1913,) John Ferguson (1915,) and Boyd’s Shop (1936,) shaping Northern Irish drama for decades.
Beyond theater, Ervine was a prolific novelist and biographer. His novel The Wayward Man (1927) was among the first to explore Belfast’s character and conflicts. He also wrote biographies of major figures, including Parnell (1925,) Bernard Shaw: His Life, Work and Friends (1956,) and Oscar Wilde: A Present Time Appraisal (1951.) His novels include Francis Place, The Tailor of Charing Cross (1912) and Alice and a Family (1915.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by St. John Greer Ervine
Every man should periodically be compelled to listen to opinions which are infuriating to him. To hear nothing but what is pleasing to one is to make a pillow of the mind.
—St. John Greer Ervine
Topics: Opinions
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