Chapter Gifford to Gillespie of G by Biographical Dictionary of English Literature

Gifford to Gillespie

Gifford, Richard (1725-1807).—Poet, was educated at Oxford and took orders. He was the author of a poem, Contemplation. He also wrote theological and controversial works.

Gifford, William (1756-1826).—Critic and poet, was born of humble parentage at Ashburton, Devonshire, and after being for a short time at sea, was apprenticed to a cobbler. Having, however, shown signs of superior ability, and a desire for learning, he was befriended and educated, ultimately at Oxford, where he grad Becoming known to Lord Grosvenor, he was patronised by him, and in course of time produced his first poem, The Baviad (1794), a satire directed against the Della Cruscans, a clique of very small and sentimental poets, which at once quenched their little tapers. This was followed by another satire, The Maviad, against some minor dramatists. His last effort in this line was his Epistle to Peter Pindar (Dr. Walcot), inspired by personal enmity, which evoked a reply, A Cut at a Cobbler. These writings had established the reputation of Gifford as a keen, and even ferocious critic, and he was appointed in 1797 editor of the Anti-Jacobin, which Canning and his friends had just started, and of the Quarterly Review (1809-24). He also brought out edition of Massinger, Ben Jonson, and Ford. As a critic he had acuteness; but he was one-sided, prejudiced, and savagely bitter, and much more influenced in his judgments by the political opinions than by the literary merits of his victims. In his whole career, however, he displayed independence and spirit in overcoming the disadvantages of his early life, as well as gratitude to those who had served him. He held various appointments which placed him above financial anxiety.

Gildas (516?-570?).—British historian, was a monk who is believed to have gone to Brittany about 550, and founded a monastery. He wrote a history, De Excidio Britanniæ (concerning the overthrow of Britain). It consists of two parts, the first from the Roman invasion until the end of the 4th century, and the second a continuation to the writer’s own time. It is obscure and wordy, and not of much value.

Gilder, Richard Watson (1844-1909).—Poet, born at Borderstown, New Jersey, was successively a lawyer, a soldier, and a journalist, in which last capacity he edited Scribner’s (afterwards the Century) Magazine. He holds a high place among American poets as the author of The New Day (1875), The Celestial Passion, The Great Remembrance, Five Books of Song (1894), In Palestine (1898), In the Heights (1905), A Book of Music (collection) (1906), etc.

Gildon, Charles (1665-1724).—Critic and dramatist, belonged to a Roman Catholic family, and was an unsuccessful playwright, a literary hack, and a critic of little acumen or discrimination. He attacked Pope as “Sawny Dapper,” and was in return embalmed in The Dunciad. He also wrote a Life of Defoe.

Gilfillan, George (1813-1878).—Poet and critic, son of a dissenting minister at Comrie, Perthshire, studied at Glasgow University, and was ordained minister of a church in Dundee. He was a voluminous author. Among his writings are Gallery of Literary Portraits, and a Series of British Poets with introductions and notes in 48 vols. He also wrote Lives of Burns, Scott, and others, and Night (1867), a poem in nine books. His style was somewhat turgid, and his criticism rather sympathetic than profound.

Gilfillan, Robert (1798-1850).—Poet, born at Dunfermline, was latterly Collector of Police Rates in Leith. He wrote a number of Scottish songs, and was favourably mentioned in Noctes Ambrosiance (see Wilson, J.). He was the author of the beautiful song, Oh, why left I my Hame?

Gillespie, George (1613-1648).—Scottish Theologian, was born at Kirkcaldy, and studied at St.Andrews. He became one of the ministers of Edinburgh, and was a member of the Westminster Assembly, in which he took a prominent part. A man of notable intellectual power, he exercised an influence remarkable in view of the fact that he died in his 36th year. He was one of the most formidable controversialists of a highly controversial age. His best known work is Aaron’s Rod Blossoming, a defence of the ecclesiastical claims of the high Presbyterian party.