author
Richard Morris
1833–1894
An energetic Victorian scholar who helped bring some of the oldest English texts back into view for modern readers. Alongside his work as a teacher and Anglican priest, he became known for editing Chaucer, Spenser, and other early literature with unusual care.
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About the author
Born in Bermondsey in 1833, of Welsh parentage, he was trained as an elementary schoolmaster and was largely self-educated. His career ranged widely: he taught English language and literature, was ordained in the Church of England in 1871, and later served as headmaster of the Royal Masonic School for Boys.
His lasting reputation comes from his scholarship. He produced important editions for the Early English Text Society, edited Chaucer and Spenser from manuscript and early printed sources, and published Specimens of Early English, a book that helped generations of students and readers approach medieval English literature. He also wrote successful grammar and language textbooks, including Historical Outlines of English Accidence.
In the later part of his life, he turned much of his attention to Pāli, the language of many Buddhist texts, and became a recognized authority in that field as well. He died in 1894, leaving behind a body of work that linked careful scholarship with a real gift for teaching.