William Minto

William Minto Biography

William Minto (October 10, 1845 – March 1, 1893) was a Scottish academic, critic, editor, journalist, and novelist. Born at Nether Auchintoul, near Alford, Aberdeenshire, he was the son of James Minto, a farmer, and his wife Barbara Copland. Minto was educated at the University of Aberdeen, graduating with an M.A. in 1865, where he excelled in mathematics, classics, and philosophy. He briefly attended Merton College, Oxford, in 1866 but left without completing a degree.

Returning to Aberdeen, Minto served as an assistant to Alexander Bain, the Regius Professor of Logic and English Literature. During this period, he authored the Manual of English Prose Literature (1872), noted for its insightful analysis and critical depth. In 1873, Minto moved to London, contributing to various publications, and from 1874 to 1878, he edited The Examiner. He also wrote for The Daily News and The Pall Mall Gazette, where he was recognized for his critiques of Lord Beaconsfield's imperial policies.

In 1880, upon Bain's retirement, Minto succeeded him as the Regius Professor of Logic and English Literature at the University of Aberdeen, a position he held until his death. His tenure emphasized the study and teaching of literature over logic, reflecting his scholarly interests. Minto's works include Characteristics of English Poets from Chaucer to Shirley (1874) and a biography of Daniel Defoe for the "English Men of Letters" series (1879). He also ventured into fiction, writing novels such as The Crack of Doom (1886), a science fiction narrative, and The Mediation of Ralph Hardelot (1888), set during the Peasants' Revolt.

Minto's health began to decline in 1891, leading to his death on March 1, 1893, in Aberdeen. Posthumously, his University Extension Manual on Logic and Plain Principles of Prose Composition were published in 1893, followed by English Literature under the Georges in 1894.

Trivia About William Minto

• Minto edited works by Sir Walter Scott, including The Lay of the Last Minstrel and The Lady of the Lake.
• He contributed numerous articles on literary figures such as Lord Byron, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Charles Dickens to the 9th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica.
• Minto's novel The Crack of Doom is considered an early example of science fiction, involving the threat of a comet causing global catastrophe.

Famous Quotes by William Minto

• "Literature is a criticism of life."
• "The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was William Minto?

William Minto was a Scottish academic, critic, editor, journalist, and novelist known for his scholarly works on English literature and his tenure as Regius Professor at the University of Aberdeen.

What are some notable works by William Minto?

Notable works include Manual of English Prose Literature, Characteristics of English Poets from Chaucer to Shirley, and the novel The Crack of Doom.

What was Minto's contribution to journalism?

Minto edited The Examiner from 1874 to 1878 and contributed to The Daily News and The Pall Mall Gazette, where he was known for his critical articles on political and literary topics.

Related Literary Movements

William Minto was associated with the Victorian era's literary scholarship, contributing to literary criticism and the study of English literature. His works reflect the analytical and critical approaches characteristic of 19th-century literary studies.

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