Amory, Thomas (1691–1788)

Irish novelist. Born in Dublin, Amory studied medicine at Trinity College, before moving to London, where he lived as a recluse, devoting all his time to writing. His main works are Memoirs of Several Ladies of Great Britain (1755), concerned with learned women living in remote and scenic retreats, and the Life of John Buncle, Esq., Containing various Observations and Reflections, Made in Several Parts of the World (1756–66). Written in the form of a first-person narrative, the Life of John Buncle blends theology and utopian fantasy with a sentimental account of eight marriages to intellectual women, and includes much discussion of Anglo-Irish society and native Irish culture.

Amory also wrote a manuscript on The Ancient and Present State of Great Britain, which was accidently burned.