Robert Cromie
Encyclopedia
Robert Cromie was a Belfast journalist and novelist. He was the third son of Dr. Cromie of Clough
and was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution
. Cromie worked for the Ulster Bank
in various parts of Ireland before becoming a full-time writer.
His first book, For England's Sake, was published in 1889.
A Plunge into Space, a science fiction novel, was published in 1890. This work predates H.G. Wells'
The First Men in the Moon
by some 10 years, but contains a number of similarities. Cromie pointed these out in letters to the Academy journal. Cromie's 1895 novel The Crack of Doom was his most successful and contains the first description of an atomic explosion.
Cromie's other great passion was golf. He was a member of the Ormeau Golf Club
and the captain in 1898.
Robert Cromie died in his rooms at 95 South Parade Belfast in April 1907.
Clough
Clough is a village and townland in County Down, Northern Ireland. It sits about 3 miles from Dundrum on the A2 road between Newcastle and Belfast. It had a population of 255 people in the 2001 Census...
and was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution
Royal Belfast Academical Institution
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, is a Grammar School in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Locally referred to as Inst, the school educates boys from ages 11–18...
. Cromie worked for the Ulster Bank
Ulster Bank
Ulster Bank is a large commercial bank, one of the Big Four in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Ulster Bank Group is subdivided into two separate legal entities, Ulster Bank Limited and Ulster Bank Ireland Limited...
in various parts of Ireland before becoming a full-time writer.
His first book, For England's Sake, was published in 1889.
A Plunge into Space, a science fiction novel, was published in 1890. This work predates H.G. Wells'
H. G. Wells
Herbert George Wells was an English author, now best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He was also a prolific writer in many other genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary, even writing text books and rules for war games...
The First Men in the Moon
The First Men in the Moon
The First Men in the Moon is a 1901 scientific romance novel by the English author H. G. Wells. The novel tells the story of a journey to the moon undertaken by the two protagonists, the impoverished businessman Mr Bedford and the brilliant but eccentric scientist Dr. Cavor...
by some 10 years, but contains a number of similarities. Cromie pointed these out in letters to the Academy journal. Cromie's 1895 novel The Crack of Doom was his most successful and contains the first description of an atomic explosion.
Cromie's other great passion was golf. He was a member of the Ormeau Golf Club
Ormeau Golf Club
The Ormeau Golf Club is located on Park Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is a nine-hole course with an eighteen-hole par of 68.The golf club describes itself as "the Course in the heart of the city" as it is just a mile from Belfast city centre. It was formed in 1893 and is one of the oldest...
and the captain in 1898.
Robert Cromie died in his rooms at 95 South Parade Belfast in April 1907.