John Mitchell Kemble facts for kids
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John Mitchell Kemble (born April 2, 1807 – died March 26, 1857) was an English scholar and historian. He was the oldest son of the famous actor Charles Kemble and Maria Theresa Kemble. John is well-known for his important work on the history of the Anglo-Saxons. He also made big contributions to the study of the Old English language, which included one of the first translations of the epic poem Beowulf.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Kemble received his education from Charles Richardson and at Bury St Edmunds grammar school. In 1826, he won a special scholarship, called an exhibition, to attend Trinity College, Cambridge. While there, he became a member of a famous discussion group known as the Cambridge Apostles.
Even though his historical essays were very good, Kemble loved social activities and sports. This meant he did not always follow the university's study plan. He finally earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in March 1830. Three years later, in March 1833, he received his Master of Arts degree.
Studying Anglo-Saxons
Kemble focused his studies on Anglo-Saxon England. He was greatly influenced by Jacob Grimm, a famous German scholar, whom he studied with at the University of Göttingen in 1831.
Kemble published several important works about the Anglo-Saxons. These included Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowulf (published between 1833 and 1837). He also wrote History of the Saxons in England (1849). This book was based on original documents from the early period of English history.
Understanding Beowulf
Kemble's translation of Beowulf was very direct and written entirely in prose (like regular sentences, not poetry). This was one of the first times this ancient poem was translated into English.
| Old English verse | Kemble's prose |
|---|---|
|
Ðá cóm of móre | under misthleoþum |
Then under veils of mist came Grendel* |
* The prose does not attempt to follow the original's order in words or phrases.
Other Important Work
From 1835 to 1844, Kemble worked as the editor of the British and Foreign Review. From 1840 until his death, he held the position of Examiner of Plays. This role involved checking plays before they could be performed.
In 1857, he published State Papers and Correspondence Illustrative of the Social and Political State of Europe from the Revolution to the Accession of the House of Hanover. After his death, another book called Horae Ferales, or Studies in the Archaeology of Northern Nations was finished by Robert Gordon Latham and published in 1864.
Personal Life and Legacy
Around 1836, John Kemble married Nathalie Auguste. She was the daughter of Amadeus Wendt from the University of Göttingen. They had two daughters and one son.
Their elder daughter, Gertrude (born 1837), later married Sir Charles Santley, who was a famous singer. Gertrude passed away in 1882.
John Mitchell Kemble died in Dublin, Ireland, on March 26, 1857. He is buried there in Mount Jerome Cemetery.
See also
- Walter de Gray Birch
