Richard Garnett (writer)

Richard Garnett (27 February 1835 – 13 April 1906) was a British scholar, librarian, biographer, and poet. He was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, the son of Richard Garnett, a philologist and assistant keeper of printed books at the British Museum.

Garnett followed in his father's footsteps, joining the British Museum in 1851 as an assistant librarian. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Keeper of Printed Books from 1890 to 1899. During his tenure, he oversaw significant expansion of the collection and advocated for improved cataloging methods. He was a strong proponent of making the library more accessible to the public.

Beyond his library work, Garnett was a prolific writer. He produced numerous biographies, including works on Thomas Carlyle, John Milton, and William Blake. His fiction included the satirical novella "The Twilight of the Gods, and Other Tales" (1888), which showcased his wit and intellectual curiosity. He also wrote extensively on literary subjects, editing and contributing to collections of poetry and prose. He was known for his broad knowledge and insightful literary criticism.

Garnett was also active in promoting education and scholarship. He served as president of the Library Association and contributed to various journals and encyclopedias. He was respected for his erudition and his commitment to the dissemination of knowledge. After retiring from the British Museum, he continued to write and lecture until his death in 1906.