William Edmondstoune Aytoun | |
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Born | 21 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh | 21 June 1813
Died | 4 August 1865 Blackhills, by Lhanbryde, Moray | (aged 52)
Resting place | Dean Cemetery, Edinburgh |
Occupation | Writer to the Signet (1835) Advocate (1840) Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, Edinburgh University (1845–65) Sheriff, Orkney & Shetland (1852–65) |
Education | Edinburgh Academy (1824-8) |
Alma mater | Edinburgh University |
Notable works | Lays of The Scottish Cavaliers (1848) |
Spouse | Jane Emily Wilson (died 1859) Fearnie Jemima Kinnear (m. 1863) (died 1904) |
Children | No issue |
Relatives | Father-in-law: Professor John Wilson Brother-in-law: John Thomson Gordon |
William Edmondstoune "W. E." Aytoun FRSE (21 June 1813 – 4 August 1865) was a Scottish poet, lawyer by training, and professor of rhetoric and belles lettres at the University of Edinburgh. He published poetry, translation, prose fiction, criticism and satire and was a lifelong contributor to the Edinburgh literary periodical Blackwood's Magazine. He was also a collector of Scottish ballads.
In the early 1850s, Professor Aytoun lent his name as a supporter of the fledgling National Association for the Vindication of Scottish Rights. His distinctive legacy as a teacher has led to him being called the 'first modern professor of English Literature'.[1]