Garnett, Richard, 1789-1850

Richard Garnett (1835–1906) worked at the British Museum for 50 years, and became Keeper of Printed Books; he was the author of many biographies, histories of Italian and English literature, verse translations of European poetry, and a poet in his own right.

His son, Edward (1868–1937), was a publisher's editor for over 50 years. He recognized the literary talents of such authors as Stephen Crane, Robert Frost, Sinclair Lewis and Ernest Hemingway, and was able to get their work published in England. Edward Garnett was also the friend and advisor of such writers as Joseph Conrad, W.H. Hudson, John Galsworthy, D.H. Lawrence, W.H. Davies, and T.E. Lawrence.

David Garnett (1892–1981), Edward's son, became an author and wrote eleven novels as well as his autobiography; he edited the letters of T.E. Lawrence and the novels of Thomas Love Peacock. He and Francis Birrell started a bookshop; he helped found the Nonesuch Press and the publishing firm of Rupert Hart-Davis.

From the guide to the Garnett Family Papers, 1784-2005, 1814-1981, (Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections)