Andrew Picken

Andrew Picken (1788 – 23 November 1833) was a novelist born in Paisley, Scotland. He was in business in the West Indies and in Glasgow and Liverpool, but not being successful, he went to London to try his fortunes in literature.

Works

His earlier writings, Tales and Sketches of the West of Scotland and The Sectarian (1829), gave offence in dissenting circles: his next, The Dominie's Legacy (1830), had considerable success, and a book on Travels and Researches of Eminent Missionaries (1830) did something to rehabilitate him with those whom he had offended. His last work, The Black Watch (1833), had just appeared when he died of a stroke. His best work is somewhat like that of John Galt.

Family

Picken married Janet Coxon, daughter of an Edinburgh bookseller. They had four sons, including Andrew Picken the lithographer.

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Cousin, John William (1910). "Picken, Andrew". A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature. London: J. M. Dent & Sons – via Wikisource.
•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Lee, Sidney, ed. (1896). "Picken, Andrew (1815-1845)". Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 45. London: Smith, Elder & Co.

External links

• "Significant Scots: Andrew Picken". electricscotland.com. Retrieved 26 February 2009.