S. A. (Samuel Astley) Dunham

Samuel Astley Dunham was a British historian and author born around 1796 and died on July 17, 1858. He is chiefly remembered for the historical volumes he wrote for Lardner’s Cabinet Cyclopædia, a popular series that aimed to make serious knowledge accessible to general readers.

His books were noted for careful research and a conscientious, steady approach. Among them were The History of Poland, History of Spain and Portugal, and History of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. A later biographical reference praised his work on Spain and Portugal especially highly, and noted that it earned him recognition from the Royal Spanish Academy.

Dunham also wrote literary and biographical works, including volumes on prominent British writers. Even when his subjects ranged widely across European history, his style kept a strong focus on explaining people, politics, and national character in a readable way for non-specialist readers.