Allan Cunningham (author) facts for kids
Allan Cunningham (born December 7, 1784 – died October 30, 1842) was a talented Scottish writer and poet. He is remembered for his poems, songs, and books about famous artists.
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Life of Allan Cunningham
Allan Cunningham was born in a place called Keir, near Dalswinton, in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. When he was young, he started working as an apprentice to a stonemason.
His father was a neighbor of the famous poet Robert Burns. Allan and his brother James often visited James Hogg, who was known as the "Ettrick shepherd." James Hogg became a good friend to both of them. Allan also had other brothers, including Peter Miller Cunningham, a naval surgeon, and Thomas Mounsey Cunningham, who was also a poet.
Early Writing and Friendships
Allan spent his free time reading and writing. He enjoyed creating poems that sounded like old Scottish ballads. In 1809, he helped Robert Hartley Cromek collect old ballads for a book called Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song. Allan secretly included some of his own poems in the collection. The editor published them, even though he might have guessed they were new.
This work helped Allan become friends with two very famous writers: Walter Scott and James Hogg.
Moving to London
In 1810, Allan Cunningham moved to London. There, he worked as a reporter for Parliament and as a journalist. He did this until 1814.
After that, he got a job working for the sculptor Francis Chantrey. Allan was the clerk of works in Chantrey's art studio. He kept this job for many years, until Chantrey passed away in 1841.
Works by Allan Cunningham
Allan Cunningham wrote many different kinds of works. In 1807, he contributed some songs to a book called Literary Recreations by Eugenius Roche.
Books and Biographies
He wrote three novels during his career. He also wrote a book about the life of the artist Sir David Wilkie.
One of his most famous works was Lives of Eminent British Painters, Sculptors, and Architects (published between 1829 and 1833). This collection included life stories of important artists like William Hogarth, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, and William Blake.
Popular Songs and Poems
Besides his books, Allan Cunningham wrote many popular songs. One of his well-known sea-songs is called A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea. Many of his other songs also became very popular. He also helped publish an edition of Robert Burns's collected works.
Other Notable Works
Some of his other writings include:
- Sir Marmaduke Maxwell (1820) – This was a play.
- The King of the Peak (1822) – This novel told the story of Sir George Vernon and his daughter, Dorothy Vernon. It included the tale of Dorothy's supposed elopement with John Manners from Haddon Hall.
- The Maid of Elvar (1830) – This was a long poem, divided into twelve parts.
Allan Cunningham's Family
Allan Cunningham married Jean Walker. They had five sons and one daughter. All of their children grew up to have important jobs. They also inherited some of their father's writing talents.
Among his notable children were Joseph Davey Cunningham, Alexander Cunningham, Peter Cunningham, and Francis Cunningham.
See also
- Scottish literature
