Francis Jeffrey

Date of Birth: October 23, 1773

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 26, 1850

Biography

Francis Jeffrey, Lord Jeffrey, was an influential Scottish judge and literary critic, born on October 23, 1773, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is most renowned for his role as a founding editor of the Edinburgh Review, which was instrumental in shaping literary criticism in the 19th century. Jeffrey’s legal career was equally distinguished; he was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1794 and eventually became the Dean of Faculty in 1829. In 1834, he was appointed as a judge in the Court of Session, taking the judicial title Lord Jeffrey. His contributions to both law and literature left a lasting impact on Scottish intellectual life.

5 Interesting Facts about Francis Jeffrey

1. Francis Jeffrey was one of the founders of the Edinburgh Review, a publication that played a crucial role in the Romantic movement.

2. He was known for his wit and sharp criticism, which made him both respected and feared in literary circles.

3. Jeffrey was a staunch advocate for political and social reform, including the abolition of slavery.

4. He had a close friendship with the famous essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle.

5. Lord Jeffrey was known for his eloquent and persuasive speaking style, which he used effectively both in court and in his writings.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francis Jeffrey

1. “The tendency to whining and complaining may be taken as the surest sign of little souls and inferior intellects.”

2. “Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see in the making all around us.”

3. “The great art of life is sensation, to feel that we exist, even in pain.”

4. “There is no greater impediment to the advancement of knowledge than the ambiguity of words.”

5. “The most dangerous thing in the world is to try to leap a chasm in two jumps.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not available, Francis Jeffrey’s highest net worth was likely modest by contemporary standards, given his career as a judge and literary critic rather than a businessman or industrialist.