Author: Kellet, Alexander
Biography:
KELLET, Alexander (d 1788: findmypast.com)
No information about him has come to light antedating the publication of his odd miscellany in Bath in 1778 (reissued under a different title in 1783 in London), but since he identifies himself as "Esq." rather than by a degree, it seems likely that he did not attend university. The Monthly Review described the poetical part of it as "second-rate." At least one of his tall tales about the American Indians was widely circulated; someone who knew him described him as "a man of abilities" fond of humbugging the public, and bears witness to his having "gravely" retailed this particular anecdote at a coffee-house (Morning Advertiser). He died in lodgings in Bath and was buried at St. Swithin, Walcot, on 21 Jun. 1788. (findmypast.com 2 Apr. 2021; Monthly Review 60 [1779] 317; Morning Advertiser 14 Sept. 1832)