Allan Cunningham (author)

Allan Cunningham ( born December 7, 1784 in Keir, † October 30, 1842 in London) was a Scottish writer.

Life

Cunningham went on a stonecutter in the doctrine, but dealt with soon literature, especially Scottish ballads. In 1807 he published his first songs. In 1809 he submitted some old ballads and songs for Robert Hartley Cromeks collection Remains of Nithdale and Galloway Song and became friends with Walter Scott. In 1810 he moved to London, where he worked as a parliamentary reporter until 1814. Then he became assistant to the sculptor Francis Chantrey until his death in 1841. At the same time he published novels, biographies and songs. His style was considered bombastic, although some of his songs were especially popular, including the shanty A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea. In addition, Cunningham hosted an edition of the works of Robert Burns, writer and friend of his father.

He married Jean Walker and had with her a daughter and five sons.

Works (selection)

• Sir Marmaduke Maxwell ( 1820)
• The King of the Peak (1822 )
• Lives of Eminent British Painters, Sculptors and Artists ( 1829-33 )