author
John W. (John William) Cousin
1849–1910
Best known for compiling A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature, this Scottish writer and editor helped generations of readers find their way through English literary history. He also worked in the actuarial world, giving his career an unusual mix of numbers and books.
1 Audiobook
A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature
by John W. (John William) Cousin
About the author
John William Cousin was a Scottish writer, editor, and biographer, born in 1849 and died in 1910. He is most often remembered for A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature, a reference work that remained widely used long after his lifetime.
He came from a literary family: his mother was the hymn writer Anne Ross Cousin. Alongside his literary work, he was also connected with the actuarial profession, becoming a fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries and serving as secretary of the Actuarial Society of Edinburgh.
Cousin also edited and introduced other literary works, including an edition of Longfellow's Evangeline. His reputation today rests on his talent for clear, compact literary biography and for making writers and their works more approachable to ordinary readers.