Robert Ford

Born on July 18, 1846, in Wolfhill, Perthshire, Robert Ford built his working life as a clerk in Dundee and later Glasgow while writing in his spare time. He became a notably prolific Scottish man of letters, publishing poetry, humorous pieces, and edited collections that reached a wide readership.

Ford is especially remembered as a collector and editor rather than for his own poetry. His books included song collections, folklore, and material for children, such as Ballads of Bairnhood and Children's Rhymes, Games, Songs and Stories, reflecting a strong interest in popular tradition and the textures of everyday life.

He also edited work connected with major Scottish literary figures, including Robert Burns and William Miller. Robert Ford died in 1905, and his reputation has endured chiefly through the way he gathered, preserved, and shared Scottish songs, anecdotes, and children's culture for later generations.