Doran, Dr. (John), 1807-1878

Dr. John Doran (b. Mar. 11, 1807, London, England–d. Jan. 25 1878, Notting Hill, London) was an English writer and editor. After school, he was a tutor to George Murray, eldest son of James Murray, 1st Baron Glenlyon and then to Lord Rivers, and to the sons of Lord Harewood and of Lord Portman. He traveled the continent with his students and after giving up his last tutorship, Doran received his doctorate in philosophy at the University of Marburg in Prussia.

He returned to London and began writing. In 1841 he began as literary editor of the Church and State Gazette and was a regular contributor to the Athenæum. At the Athenæum, Doran would act as substitute editor for William Hepworth Dixon and succeeded him as editor in 1869. After the retirement of William John Thoms, Doran became editor of Notes and Queries.

He began writing plays, non-fiction, and editing books, at the age of 17. He translated French, German, Latin, and Italian for the Bath Journal. Other publications include the memoir of Marie Thérèse Charlotte, Madame Royale (1852); edited Charles Anthon's Anabasis of Xenophon (1852); The Queens of the House of Hanover (1855); Monarchs retired from Business (1857); Memories of our Great Towns (1878).

He married at Reading Emma, the daughter of Captain Gilbert, R.N., in July 1834 and had two children.