Sir Theodore Martin (1816–1909) was a Scottish poet, biographer, and translator, best known for his literary works and biography of Prince Albert. His contributions to Victorian literature and historical scholarship earned him recognition.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, he studied at the University of Edinburgh before practicing as a solicitor. Later, he moved to London, became a parliamentary agent, and established himself as a writer. He was knighted as Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 1880 and elected Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews in 1881.
His first major work, Bon Gaultier Ballads (1845,) co-authored with W.E. Aytoun, was a collection of humorous poetry. He translated several literary classics, including Dante’s Vita Nuova (1862,) Oehlenschläger’s Correggio (1854) and Aladdin (1857,) Heine’s Poems and Ballads (1878,) and Schiller’s Wilhelm Tell. His translation of Horace’s works (1882) remains notable.
Martin’s most famous work, Life of the Prince Consort (1874–80,) was commissioned by Queen Victoria, earning her lifelong friendship. Other works include Memoir of William Edmondstoune Aytoun (1867,) A Life of Lord Lyndhurst (1883,) Helena Faucit (1900,) and Queen Victoria as I Knew Her (1908.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Theodore Martin
Work is the true elixir of life. The busiest man is the happiest man. Excellence in any art or profession is attained only by hard and persistent work. Never believe that you are perfect. When a man imagines, even after years of striving, that he has attained perfection, his decline begins.
—Theodore Martin
Topics: Action, Work, Happiness
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