John Gifford (writer) facts for kids
John Gifford (born John Richards Green, 1758 – 6 March 1818) was an English writer who focused on politics and history. He changed his name when he was 23 years old. Gifford was known for supporting the government of his time and for writing many books and pamphlets.
Contents
Who Was John Gifford?
John Gifford lived during a time of big changes in Europe, especially with the French Revolution. He was a strong supporter of the British government, led by Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. Gifford used his writing to share his political views and to influence public opinion.
What He Wrote
Gifford wrote several important historical books. These included a History of England (published in two parts in 1790) and a History of France (published in four parts between 1791 and 1793). He also wrote a detailed book about the French Revolution called The Reign of Louis XVI: a Complete History of the French Revolution (1794).
His Political Writings
Besides history books, Gifford was famous for writing short, strong political essays called pamphlets. These pamphlets supported the government and its policies. One well-known pamphlet was A Plain Address to the Common Sense of the People of England (1792). It even included a summary of the life and writings of Thomas Paine, a famous writer who had different political ideas.
Another very popular pamphlet was his Short Address to Members of Loyal Associations (1798). It was so popular that it sold about 100,000 copies! This pamphlet warned people about the dangers of certain political groups, like the Jacobins from France, and how their ideas could affect Britain. He even imagined a future where Britain's powerful Royal Navy might be given away to other countries.
Gifford also translated some pamphlets written by French royalists who had left France during the revolution.
Starting the Anti-Jacobin Review
In 1798, Gifford started his own magazine called the Anti-Jacobin Review. This magazine was created after another similar publication, The Anti-Jacobin, stopped publishing. The Anti-Jacobin Review continued to publish articles that shared Gifford's political views until 1821.
Later Life
John Gifford passed away in Bromley, Kent, when he was around 60 years old.
