b. 5 January 1789. d. 5 December 1834. Nationality: Scottish. VIAF.
Poet, philanthropist, and journalist. Suffered an accident as an infant, which eventually
required him to walk with crutches. Attended University of Edinburgh. Worked as a
clerk at Edinburgh’s General Register House when he began writing poetry. Briefly
co-edited the new *Edinburgh Monthly Magazine* (which, after he left, was relaunched
as *Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine*), and then the *Edinburgh Magazine*. Emigrated
to South Africa in 1820 and worked as a librarian, also establishing newspapers and
literary journals. Steadily worked for the abolition of slavery. After professional
and financial difficulties, Pringle moved to London in 1826. Publications include
*“The Autumnal Excursion” and Other Poems* (1819). Biographical information: *ODNB*.