A. L.Born in Selkirk. Educated at Balliol College, Oxford, where Benjamin Jowett was one of his tutors. Elected a fellow at Merton College in 1868, resigning on his marriage to Leonora Blanche Alleyne in 1875 in order to move to London and become a professional writer. Was a prolific periodical contributor. Compiled the “coloured” series of fairy books, beginning with The Blue Fairy Book in 1889, and finishing in 1910 with The Lilac Fairy Book. Poetry volumes include Ballads and Lyrics of Old France (1872), XXXII Ballades in Blue China (1881), Helen of Troy (1882), Grass of Parnassus (1888). Biographical information: ODNB. (JS)