Digital Victorian Periodical Poetry

Poet, novelist, and critic. Important figure in the Celtic Twilight movement. Pseudonym: “Fiona MacLeod.” Born in Paisley. Father was a textile manufacturer. Educated at the University of Glasgow (where he was taught by John Nichol and left without taking a degree). Travelled to Australia in 1876 to 1877. Moved to London on his return in 1878, establishing himself within Pre-Raphaelite circles. Married his cousin, the poet and editor Elizabeth Sharp, in 1884. Took an extended trip to Europe in 1890 to 1891 where, in Italy, he developed the idea for the pseudonymous poet “Fiona MacLeod,” which he tried to keep secret. Art critic for the Glasgow Herald and Art Journal, and editor of the Canterbury Poets series. Edited and authored all the contributions to The Pagan Review (1892). Part of Patrick Geddes’ Edinburgh-based Evergreencircle in the 1890s. Poetry volumes include The Human Inheritance (1882), Romantic Ballads and Poems of Phantasy (1888), Sospira di Roma (1891). Edited, with his wife, Lyra Celtica (1896). Biographical information: ODNB. (AC)