Origins & Early Life

Frank Harris (14 February 1856 – 27 August 1931) was an Irish-American editor, novelist, short story writer, journalist and publisher, who was friendly with many well-known figures of his day. Born in Ireland, he emigrated to the United States early in life, working in a variety of unskilled jobs before attending the University of Kansas to study law. After graduation, he quickly tired of his legal career and returned to Europe sometime prior to 1882. He traveled in continental Europe before settling in London to pursue a career in journalism.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1921, in his sixties, he became a US citizen. Though he attracted much attention during his life for his irascible, aggressive personality, editorship of famous periodicals, and friendship with the talented and famous, he is remembered mainly for his multiple-volume memoir My Life and Loves, which was banned in countries around the world for its sexual explicitness. Harris was born James Thomas Harris in 1856, in Galway, Ireland, to Welsh parents. His father, Thomas Vernon Harris, was a naval officer from Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Wales. While living with his older brother he was, for a year or more, a pupil...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amedeo Avogadro — Contemporary (Died in 1856) (1856): Pioneering Italian scientist known for Avogadro's law on gas volumes and molecular theory.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak — Contemporary (Born in 1856) (1856): Pioneering advocate for Indian self-rule, known for the slogan: "Swaraj is my birthright!"
• Booker T. Washington — Contemporary (Born in 1856) (1856): Pioneering educator and orator who advised the African-American community for decades.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam — Contemporary (Born in 1931) (1931): Visionary aerospace engineer, scientist, and former President of India.
• Akseli Gallen-Kallela — Contemporary (Died in 1931) (1931): Pioneering Finnish painter, celebrated for national romanticism and the Kalevala.
• Albert A. Michelson — Contemporary (Died in 1931) (1931): Pioneering American experimental physicist known for light speed measurements.
• Abdul Qadir Gilani — Shared historical date (02-14 · Died) (1166): Founding figure of the Qadiriyya Sufi order, renowned mystic and jurist.
• Alan Parker — Shared historical date (02-14 · Born) (1944): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Baal Shem Tov — Shared historical date (08-27 · Born) (1698): Founder of Hasidic Judaism, a Jewish mystic from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
• Bennett Cerf — Shared historical date (08-27 · Died) (1971): American publisher, author, and co-founder of Random House.
• 1856 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1856
• February 14 (02-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 14
• 1931 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1931
• August 27 (08-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 27