Edward Forster (writer) facts for kids

Edward Forster (1769–1828) was an English church leader and writer who wrote about many different subjects. He was a member of the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries.

A Young Life of Learning

Edward Forster was born in Colchester, Essex, on June 11, 1769. He was the only son of Nathaniel Forster, who was also a church leader. Edward first learned at home. Later, he went to Norwich grammar school. This school was led by Samuel Parr, a close friend of his father.

In 1788, Edward started studying at Balliol College, Oxford University. To stay in touch with his old teacher, Samuel Parr, Edward lived for a while in Hatton, Warwickshire.

Becoming a Church Leader

After getting married, Edward continued his studies at St. Mary Hall, Oxford. He earned his first university degree in 1792. That same year, he joined Lincoln's Inn, a place where people trained to become lawyers.

However, Edward decided to become a clergyman instead. In 1796, he was ordained as a priest by the bishop of London, Beilby Porteus. He earned his master's degree in 1797.

In 1803, a friend named Lord Somerville helped Edward become the rector of Aston Somerville, a church position in Gloucestershire. Lord Somerville had also helped him become a chaplain to the Duke of Newcastle in 1796.

There was no house for the church leader in Aston Somerville, so Edward lived in London. He was a very popular speaker in churches. From 1800 to 1814, he preached at several chapels in London. He often shared preaching duties with other well-known speakers like Sydney Smith.

Life in Paris

After the war ended in 1815, Edward and his family moved to Paris. He had lost money on his books, so he needed to save. About a year later, he started preaching in a French Protestant church. He was allowed to use the church when it was not needed for French services. He preached there until 1827, when he became too ill.

In 1818, Edward was given a new job. He became the chaplain for the British embassy in Paris. This job was created because he suggested it. He held this position until he died. In 1824, the Earl of Bridgewater also made him his chaplain.

Edward was elected as a member of the Royal Society in 1801. He also became a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London, which studies old things. He strongly supported the Royal Institution from when it first started. He was even made an honorary librarian there and gave lectures for three years.

Later Years and Passing

Edward Forster passed away in Paris on February 18, 1828. He had been sick for a long time. He was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery, a famous cemetery in Paris.

His Published Works

Edward Forster worked with a bookseller named William Miller. Their goal was to create beautiful editions of classic books. These books would have lovely pictures by famous artists.

His first project was a new edition of Don Quixote in 1801. This book was a success. Then, he published other smaller books. He also prepared a new translation of the Arabian Nights in 1802. This edition had twenty-four pictures drawn by Robert Smirke.

In the same year, he published a version of Anacreon, an ancient Greek poet. This book used a special Greek font. The pictures and small designs were made by his wife, Lavinia Forster. He also published editions of plays, called British Drama and New British Theatre.

In 1805, Edward released an edition of Rasselas. This book had pictures by Abraham Raimbach based on paintings by Robert Smirke. In 1809, he privately printed a small book of poems called Occasional Amusements. His name was not on this book.

Edward's biggest project was a large book series called The British Gallery of Engravings. This series had very detailed pictures made by a special printing method called line engraving. Each picture had descriptions in both English and French. The first part came out in 1807. However, only the first volume was finished by 1813. The project stopped because of money problems.

When he moved to Paris, Edward was working on publishing a book by the Roman playwright Plautus. Three volumes were completed. But the project stopped when the printer suddenly died.

His Family Life

In late 1790, Edward Forster married Elizabeth. She was the youngest daughter of Philip Bedingfeld. Sadly, his wife passed away only four years after they were married. They did not have any children together.

On August 3, 1799, Edward married his second wife, Lavinia. She was the only daughter of Thomas Banks, a famous sculptor. Edward and Lavinia had three daughters.

After Edward died, his wife Lavinia edited a book of his sermons. It was called Sermons preached at the Chapel of the British Embassy, and at the Protestant Church of the Oratoire, in Paris, by Edward Forster, with a short Account of his Life. This book was published in two volumes in Paris in 1828.