Atterbury, Francis. 1662–1732. Bp. Rochester. Theologian. Author Sermons and numerous controversial writings.
Aubrey, John. 1626–1697. Antiquary. A. published a collection of popular superstitions.
Austen, Jane. 1775–1817. Novelist. Author of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, Emma, The Watsons, and Lady Susan. These novels are examples of the finest literary art, and have delighted cultured minds for almost three generations. Her character-drawing is strong and realistic. See Atlantic Monthly, Feb. 1863. See Jane Austen and her Works by Sarah Tytler (pub. 1881). Pub. Har. Por. Lit. Rou.
Austin, Alfred. 1834 ——. Poet and novelist. Author of An Artist's Proof, Interludes, The Human Tragedy, etc. Pub. Mac.
Austin, Mrs. Sarah. 1793–1867. Author Characteristics of Goethe, and of numerous translations from the German.
Ayton [ā´tun], Sir Robert. 1570–1638. Scotch poet. Remembered for his lyric, "I do confess thou'rt smooth and fair."
Aytoun [a´tun], Wm. Edmondstoune. 1813–1865. Scotch poet. Author Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers, Bothwell, Edinburgh after Flodden, and with T. Martin, of the Bon Gaultier Ballads. See Memoir by Theodore Martin. Pub. Arm. Hou.
Babbage, Chas. 1790–1871. Mathematician and philosopher. Author of The Economy of Manufactures and Machinery, A Ninth Bridgewater Treatise, etc.
Bacon, Francis. Viscount St. Albans and Baron Verulam. 1561–1626. Philosopher. The Founder of Inductive Philosophy. He wrote, in both Eng. and Latin, The advancement of Learning, Novum Organum and Historia Naturalis et Experimentalis from the Instauratio Magna, which embodies his system of philosophy. His Essays are his most important English work. A man of great genius and wonderful intellectual activity whose writings cover a wide range. He awakened the scientific spirit in England and gave it form. The best edition of B. is that by James Spedding. See Life and Letters of Bacon, by James Spedding (1870), also W. H. Dixon's Personal History of Lord Bacon. Pub. Hou.