Alves, Robert

(1745-1794)

   Born in Elgin, Scotland, of humble stock, Alves showed promise at Elgin grammar school, then took a degree in philosophy a Marischal College, Aberdeen. His "Elegy on Time" gained him the approval and friendship of Dr. Beattie, professor at Marischal College. He was a teacher in a parish school, a tutor, and headmaster of the Banff grammar school, a post he held from 1773 until 1779, when, on account of a disappointment in love, he migrated to Edinburgh. There he taught the classics and several modern languages. His main works are: Ode to Britannia, 1780 (which praises the Scottish soldiers in the campaign in the Carolinas). Poems, 1782. Edinburgh, 1789 (describing the social conditions of the capital). Weeping Bard, 1789 (an autobiographical poem). Sketches of the History of Literature, containing Lives and Characters of the most eminent Writers in different languages, ancient and modern, and critical remarks on their works: Together with several Literary Essays, 1794 (published posthumously by Dr. Alexander Chapman). The Banks of Esk, 1801 (a defense of Scotland and Scotsmen, against English critics, also published posthumously).

   Sources: Dictionary of National Biography. Electronic Edition 1.1. Oxford University Press, 1997. Significant and Famous Scots (http://www.electricscotland.com/history/other/alves_robert.htm).