ROBERT CHAMBERS BIOGRAPHY

CHAMBERS, ROBERT (1802-1871). —Historical and scientific writer, was born at Peebles. Early dependent on his own exertions, he started business as a bookseller in Edin. at the age of 16, devoting all his spare time to study, to such purpose that in 1824 he pub. Traditions of Edinburgh , a work in which he had the assistance of Sir W. Scott. Thereafter he poured forth a continuous stream of books and essays on historical, social, antiquarian, and scientific subjects. He joined his brother William ( q.v. ) in establishing the publishing firm of W. and R. Chambers, and in starting Chambers's Journal , to which he was a constant contributor. Later ventures were The Cyclopedia of English Literature (1842-44), of which several ed. have appeared (last 1903-6). and Chambers's Cyclopædia (10 vols. 1859-68; new 1888-92). Among his own works may be mentioned Vestiges of Creation , pub. anonymously (1844), a precursor of Darwinism, A Life of Burns (1851), Popular Rhymes of Scotland (1847), History of the Rebellions in Scotland , Domestic Annals of Scotland (1859-61), Ancient Sea Margins (1848), Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen and The Book of Days (1863). He was LL.D. of St. Andrews.