author
Samuel Cowan
1835–1914
A Scottish historian and journalist with a gift for dramatic episodes from the nation’s past, he wrote lively books on Mary, Queen of Scots, the Stuart dynasty, and old Perth. His work blends antiquarian curiosity with a clear affection for Scottish history.
1 Audiobook
About the author
Born in 1835 and dying on June 18, 1914, Samuel Cowan was a Scottish historian, antiquarian, biographer, publisher, and journalist. He is best remembered for writing popular historical works that explored Scotland’s royal houses, political intrigues, and local heritage.
Among his notable books are Mary Queen of Scots and Who Wrote the Casket Letters (1901), The Gowrie Conspiracy (1902), The Ancient Capital of Scotland (1904), and The Royal House of Stuart (1908). His writing often focused on disputed episodes and famous figures from Scottish history, making scholarly debates feel accessible to general readers.
Cowan also had strong ties to Perth, where he worked in publishing and public life. That local knowledge helped shape his historical writing, especially when he turned to the story of Perth and other Scottish institutions and families.