Lord Dunsany 1, by James O'Fee

Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett (1878-1959) was born as the heir to one of oldest perrages in Ireland. He became the 18th Baron Dunsany and lived for much of his life in Dunsany Castle, near Tara, County Meath.

Other noted members of the Plunkett family were Saint Oliver Plunkett (1629-81), the martyred Archbishop of Armagh, and Horace Plunkett (1854-1932), the founder of agricultural co-operation in Ireland.

We know the 18th Baron as a man of many parts. He is remembered best as a literary figure, a popular writer as 'Lord Dunsany' of short stories, of which he published several volumes. And as a poet and playwright who had, it is said, more than one show in production on Broadway at the same time. Dunsany encouraged young literary talent and was briefly a Professor of English in Athens.

Lord Dunsany was a strong amateur chess player, who played a draw against the great Capablanca in a simultaneous display in the 1920s, when Capa was at the peak of his fame. And as a creator of many imaginative chess puzzles, whose charm endures to this day, as well as a chess variant which bears his name.

Dunsany was a military man who volunteered for the Boer War, and served in both World Wars. A noted pistol shot, Dunsany was an enthusiast of many outdoor and country sports.

In the next days I would intend to explore some of Lord Dunsany's many sides.

To be continued