Arthur Thomas Malkin

Born in Hackney in 1803, Arthur Thomas Malkin was an English writer whose work ranged across history, biography, and literary subjects. He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and came from a notably scholarly family, which helps explain the wide learning behind his books.

He is especially associated with large biographical projects such as The Gallery of Portraits, and his books remain accessible today through digital libraries including Project Gutenberg. Alongside his writing, he also had an active life beyond the desk: he played first-class cricket and is remembered as one of the early English enthusiasts of Alpine climbing.

Malkin died in London in November 1888 at the age of eighty-five. That mix of literary industry, athletic energy, and mountain adventure gives his life an appealing breadth that still stands out.