b. 19 October 1830. d. 10 February 1896. Nationality: Scottish. VIAF.
Poet, translator, essayist, editor, literary critic, historian, and journalist. Pseudonym:
“Ellis Brandt.” Held progressive liberal views. Born at Fodderty, Ross-shire. Father
was a Church of Scotland minister. Educated at Inverness Academy, Aberdeen Grammar
School, and Aberdeen University. Studied theology at Edinburgh’s New College. Abandoned
the ministry due to ill health and began to work as a journalist. Briefly edited *The
Glasgow Commonwealth* and *The Witness*. Edited *The Dial* in London (1860-1862),
but it collapsed and left him in debt. Edited the *Weekly Review* (1862-1865). Biographical
information: *ODNB*. (AC)