author
J. M. D. (John Miller Dow) Meiklejohn
1830–1902
A Scottish teacher, journalist, and prolific writer of schoolbooks, he brought serious learning to young readers and translated Kant while still very young. His career ranged from classrooms and newspapers to university teaching in Scotland.
1 Audiobook
A Brief History of the English Language and Literature, Vol. 2
by J. M. D. (John Miller Dow) Meiklejohn
About the author
Born in Edinburgh on July 11, 1836, John Miller Dow Meiklejohn was educated at his father's school and later earned an M.A. from the University of Edinburgh, where he won the gold medal in Latin. Early on, he developed a strong interest in German philosophy and, while still young, produced an English translation of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason.
Meiklejohn worked as a private schoolmaster in the Lake District and in London, and he also lectured and wrote for newspapers. During the Danish-German War in 1864, he served as a war correspondent and was reportedly arrested as a spy. Alongside that varied career, he became especially well known for practical educational books, including works on grammar and other subjects for school use.
He later held academic posts in Scotland, including a professorship at the University of St Andrews. Best remembered as a writer who helped shape classroom reading and language study, he left behind a large body of clear, useful books for students and teachers. He died on April 5, 1902.