[PW] "Gory details" phrase origin

[Nina Gilbert]

Dear stumpers,

When/where/how did the phrase "gory details" originate?

I'm preparing a lecture about a historical event whose details were truly gory (the events behind the opera "Un ballo in maschera" by Verdi), and it would be good to know the origin of the phrase.

I've tried a variety of Google searches, plus "gore" and related words in OED.

Thank you,

Nina Gilbert
Education and Community Programs Manager, Boston Lyric Opera
 
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Nina Gilbert
ninagilbert at yahoo.com
ninagilbert at gmail.com