Robert Heron (writer) facts for kids

Robert Heron (born November 6, 1764 – died April 13, 1807) was a Scottish writer. He was known for his many books and articles, even though he faced many challenges in his life.

Robert Heron's Early Life and Education

Robert Heron was born in New Galloway, Scotland, on November 6, 1764. His father, John Heron, was a weaver. Robert's mother taught him at home until he was nine years old.

He then went to the local school. Robert was a very bright student! By the age of eleven, he was already teaching children of local farmers. When he was fourteen, he became the master of the Kelton parish school.

University Studies and Early Writing

By the end of 1780, Robert had saved enough money. With help from his parents, he went to the University of Edinburgh. He planned to study to become a church minister. To support himself, he taught and did various writing jobs for booksellers.

In 1789, while still a student, he met the famous poet Robert Burns. Burns asked him to deliver a letter to a Dr. Blacklock, but Robert did not deliver it. Burns later joked that Robert was either busy with a "dainty fair one" or enjoyed drinks too much.

Robert worked as an assistant to a Dr. Blair for a while. However, he soon realized his true passion was writing.

First Books and Challenges

Robert's first independent book was a small edition of Thomson's Seasons in 1789. It included his thoughts on the poetry. A larger version came out in 1793. In 1790–1791, he tried to offer lectures on law. This plan did not work out.

Robert often struggled with money. He ended up in prison because of his debts. While there, his creditors suggested he write a History of Scotland. They agreed to pay him for each page. He was let out of prison on the condition that he would use most of his earnings to pay off his debts.

The first volume of his History of Scotland (1794) was almost entirely written in prison. Robert admitted in the book's introduction that it might have "considerable imperfections." This shows that his works were often written quickly and without deep research. The History was finished in six volumes between 1794 and 1799.

Later Career and Final Years

In 1798, Robert wrote a comedy play called St. Kilda in Edinburgh. It was performed at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh. However, the audience disliked it, and it was stopped before the second act. Robert believed people were plotting against him. He published the play, but it did not get much attention.

He returned to New Galloway and became a ruling elder in the church. He served for several years in the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He was known for speaking well and clearly.

In 1799, Robert moved to London to find more steady writing work. He wrote a lot for newspapers and magazines. He edited newspapers like the Globe and the British Press. He also worked as a reporter for Parliament. In 1806, he started his own newspaper called The Fame, but it was not successful.

The failure of his newspaper and his money problems led him to be held in Newgate prison again. He wrote a letter from prison on February 2, 1807, asking for help from the Royal Literary Fund. He explained his contributions to writing, but he did not receive any help.

Robert became ill with a fever. He was moved to St Pancras Hospital, where he passed away on April 13, 1807.

Robert Heron's Published Works

Besides his History of Scotland, Robert Heron published many other books and translations. Here are some of his notable works:

• A translation of Niebuhr's Travels through Arabia (1792).
• Elegant Extracts of Natural History (1792).
• Arabian Tales, or continuations of Arabian Nights' Entertainments (translated from French, 4 volumes, 1792).
• Observations made in a Journey through the Western Counties of Scotland in 1792 (2 volumes, 1792).
• General View of the Natural Circumstances of the Hebrides (1794).
• A translation of Fourcroy's Chemistry (1796).
• Life of Robert Burns (1797) – This book is important because Robert knew the south-west of Scotland well.
• A New and Complete System of Universal Geography (4 volumes, 1798).
• Elements of Chemistry (1800).

Robert also wrote for the Encyclopædia Britannica and the Edinburgh Magazine. He helped Sir John Sinclair with his Statistical Account of Scotland.