Frank Harris

Frank Harris Biography

Frank Harris (February 14, 1856 – August 26, 1931) was an Irish-American editor, novelist, short story writer, journalist, and publisher, renowned for his vivid and often controversial writings. Born James Thomas Harris in Galway, Ireland, he emigrated to the United States at the age of 15, seeking adventure and opportunity. In America, Harris worked various jobs, including as a laborer and cowboy, before pursuing legal studies at the University of Kansas, where he graduated with a law degree.

Dissatisfied with a legal career, Harris returned to Europe, settling in England, where he became a prominent figure in literary circles. He edited several notable publications, including the Saturday Review, where he provided a platform for emerging writers such as George Bernard Shaw and H.G. Wells. Harris was known for his fearless editorial style and his willingness to challenge societal norms, which earned him both admiration and criticism.

Among his literary works, Harris is perhaps best known for his autobiography, My Life and Loves, published in multiple volumes between 1922 and 1927. The work is notorious for its explicit content and candid recounting of his sexual exploits, leading to its banning in both the United States and Britain for many years. Despite questions regarding its accuracy, the autobiography offers a fascinating glimpse into Harris's life and the literary milieu of his time.

Harris was also a biographer, penning works such as Oscar Wilde: His Life and Confessions (1916), reflecting his close association with Wilde and other literary figures. He spent his later years in Nice, France, where he continued to write until his death on August 26, 1931.

Trivia About Frank Harris

• Harris claimed to have had numerous romantic liaisons, which he detailed explicitly in his autobiography, though the veracity of these accounts is often questioned.
• He was a close friend and defender of Oscar Wilde, writing a biography that offered an intimate portrayal of Wilde's life.
• Harris's autobiography, My Life and Loves, was banned for its explicit content and was not widely available until decades after its initial publication.
• He edited the Saturday Review from 1894 to 1898, during which time he published works by prominent writers like George Bernard Shaw.

Famous Quotes by Frank Harris

• "Strong people are made by opposition like kites that go up against the wind."
• "The truth is that in literature and politics we have to do with a purely moral force."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Frank Harris?

Frank Harris was an Irish-American editor, novelist, short story writer, journalist, and publisher, known for his candid writings and associations with prominent literary figures of his time.

What is 'My Life and Loves'?

My Life and Loves is Frank Harris's multi-volume autobiography, notorious for its explicit content and detailed accounts of his personal life and relationships.

What was Frank Harris's relationship with Oscar Wilde?

Frank Harris was a close friend and defender of Oscar Wilde. He authored a biography titled Oscar Wilde: His Life and Confessions, offering an intimate portrayal of Wilde's life.

Related Literary Movements

Frank Harris was associated with the late Victorian and Edwardian literary scenes, contributing to the candid and often controversial discourse of the time. His works reflect the complexities of societal norms and the challenges faced by literary figures in an era of moral rigidity.

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