Author: Todd, James G.
Biography:
TODD, James G. (1798-1822: Strila)
The only biographical information located is in a preface to his Strila. All but one of Todd’s books were issued posthumously. His parents’ names are not known but he was the son of a copperplate engraver (likely of Todd and Gray, engravers active in Glasgow in the early 1800s). Although he was born at Bonhill, Dunbartonshire, the family moved to Glasgow soon after his birth and he was educated at the Glasgow grammar school. He was apprenticed to a manufacturer but disliked the work and was encouraged to follow a literary path when his first book was successfully published by subscription in 1818. He prepared the manuscript for Strila and sought subscribers but became depressed and killed himself with a penknife at an inn in Campbelltown. His books were published for the support of his widowed mother and family. (“A Short Account of the Author,” Strila; Scottish Book Trade Index) SR
Other Names:
- James Todd