January 15th, 1798
Thomas Crofton Croker (15 January 1798 – 8 August 1854) was an Irish antiquary, best known for his Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland (1825–1828), and who also showed considerable interest in Irish song and music.
He is particularly renowned for his collection and documentation of Irish folklore, legends, and traditions. Croker’s work contributed significantly to the preservation and understanding of Irish folklore and cultural heritage during the 19th century.
His writings and research continue to be valuable sources for those interested in Irish folklore and traditions.
Croker eventually devoted himself largely to the collection of ancient Irish poetry and Irish folklore.
Researches in the South of Ireland
Croker’s first book, Researches in the South of Ireland (1824), was well-received by fellow-antiquaries.According to Croker in his preface, the book was illustrated with pencil drawings by Miss Nicholson and Alfred Nicholson (1788–1833) (his future wife and brother-in-law) who accompanied him on the field trip gathering material.
Fairy Legends
Researches was followed by Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland (1825–1828), which enjoyed immense popular success.This would be Croker’s most important work. Walter Scott praised the book in a letter, and commended it in his own works.
The first part was published in 1825; and was translated into German by the Brothers Grimm (Irische Elfenmärchen, 1826). Parts two and three followed in 1828. Part three consisted of the long Grimm essay on fairies (prefaced to the Elfenmärchen) Croker translated, coupled with a section on Welsh fairy tales written by an unidentified female correspondent.
