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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Alfred Ernest Knight

Author: Alfred Ernest Knight (1861–1934)

Biography: Alfred Ernest Knight was born in 1861 in Camberwell, the youngest of six children of painter William Henry Knight (1823–1863) and his wife Jane Sarah Pain. His father died within two years after his birth throwing the family into dire straits. Knight was sent to work in the city at a young age before turning to authorship, publishing his first novel Arthur Middletint in 1881. He followed with several novels as well as nonfiction, including popular histories of the church and India, biographies of Victoria and Wellington, and a book on botany. He joined the firm Spink and Son and became an expert on painting and antiquities. In the latter role, he wrote several works and edited Antiquarian Quarterly. In 1903, he married Edith Ross and the couple had two children. He died in 1934 in Croyden.

Author Tags:

References: British Census (1861, 1891, 1901, 1911); DNB (William Henry Knight); Times (28 February 1934)

Fiction Titles:

  1. Arthur Middletint: A Tale of Art in Short Chapters.  2 vol.  London: Newman and Co., 1881.
  2. The Sleepers Awakened: or, The Artist's Little Model.  1 vol.  London: Houlston and Co., 1889.
  3. Twice Born: An Autobiography.  1 vol.  London: George Cauldwell, 1890.
  4. Tobiah Jalf, Lay-Preacher and Methodist.  1 vol.  London: Bible Christian Book-Room, 1892.
  5. Parables and Sketches.  1 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1894.
  6. The Scuttling of the "Kingfisher".  1 vol.  London: W. H. Addison, 1897.
  7. Under Cloister Stones: A Tale of Buried Treasure.  1 vol.  London: Hurst and Blackett, 1902.