Ebenezer Cobham Brewer
Literary Reference Work Author
CLASSIFICATION: Unsolved Homicide
LOCATION
Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
TIME PERIOD
1897
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
Ebenezer Cobham Brewer, a prominent English lexicographer, passed away on 6 March 1897 in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, at the age of 86. Brewer, born on 2 May 1810 in Norwich, was known for his significant contributions to reference literature, including "Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable" and "A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar." His works, which often blended scientific inquiry with theological reflections, gained immense popularity during the Victorian era. At the time of his death, Brewer's legacy as a key figure in the development of reference books was firmly established, and his writings continued to influence readers and scholars alike.
Community analysis and theories will be displayed here when available.
The Life and Legacy of E. Cobham Brewer
An Unlikely Lexicographer
In the heart of Norwich, England, on May 2, 1810, Ebenezer Cobham Brewer was born into a family deeply rooted in education. His father, John Sherren Brewer, was a schoolmaster with a Baptist congregation, and his mother, Elisabeth Kitton, was a nurturing presence in young Brewer's life. Growing up surrounded by books and the pursuit of knowledge, it was perhaps inevitable that Brewer would become one of the most influential reference-book authors of his time.
Academic Foundations and Travels
Brewer's academic journey began under his father's tutelage at a school in Calvert Street, Norwich, until the family relocated in 1824 to open a new academy in Eaton, on the outskirts of the city. From there, Brewer's intellectual path led him to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Law in 1836. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and he was ordained two years later, in 1838, marking the beginning of a lifelong relationship with both education and theology.
A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar
Brewer's return to Norwich saw him working alongside his father once more. It was during this period that he penned his first major work, "A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar," published between 1838 and 1841. This book, structured as a catechism, sought to demystify the everyday phenomena of life, offering explanations for why snow is white and leaves are green. Brewer's work did more than merely inform; it invited readers to reflect on the divine wisdom and goodness of God as evident in the scientific world. The success of this publication possibly financed Brewer's extensive travels across Europe, further broadening his horizons and inspiring subsequent works.
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
Upon his return to England in 1856, Brewer embarked on a project that would cement his legacy: "Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable." This seminal work, first published in 1870 and revised in 1895, was born out of correspondence with readers of his earlier publications. Brewer's method was meticulous; he described his process in the preface to the "Historic Note-Book," explaining how he would jot down useful information during his reading and sort it meticulously. This habit, cultivated over sixty years, contributed to the richness and depth of his later works.
The Reader's Handbook and Beyond
Brewer's influence extended beyond his own publications. "The Reader's Handbook," edited by Henrietta Gerwig, became the foundation for "Crowell's Handbook for Readers and Writers," which eventually evolved into "Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia." This encyclopedia, described by Benét as "veritably a new book," remains in print, a testament to Brewer's enduring impact. In the United States, Marion Harland re-edited "The Reader's Handbook," publishing it as "Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama" in 1892. Brewer's other notable works include "A Dictionary of Miracles: Imitative, Realistic and Dogmatic" and "The Historic Notebook, With an Appendix of Battles."
A Family of Achievers
Brewer was not the only luminary in his family. His siblings also found success in various fields. John Sherren Brewer Jr. became a distinguished historian and editor at the Public Record Office. His artistic legacy continued through his son, Henry William Brewer, an architectural illustrator, and grandsons Henry Charles Brewer and James Alphege Brewer. William Brewer, another of Ebenezer's brothers, pursued a career in medicine and politics, serving as a Liberal MP for Colchester in 1868. Meanwhile, Robert Kitton Brewer combined music and ministry as a Doctor of Music and Baptist minister. Two of Brewer's sisters ran a girls' school in Norwich, continuing the family's educational tradition.
In 1856, Brewer married Ellen Mary, the eldest daughter of Rev. Francis Tebbutt of Hove, in Paris. Their union was a testament to his personal and professional life's intertwining of education and faith.
The Final Years
E. Cobham Brewer's life concluded on March 6, 1897, at Edwinstowe Vicarage in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, where he lived with his son-in-law, Rev. H. T. Hayman. His passing marked the end of a remarkable journey, but his works continue to enlighten and inspire readers worldwide.
Sources
To delve deeper into the life and works of E. Cobham Brewer, visit the Wikipedia article that served as the basis for this narrative.
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Ebenezer Cobham Brewer, a prominent English lexicographer, passed away on 6 March 1897 in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, at the age of 86. Brewer, born on 2 May 1810 in Norwich, was known for his significant contributions to reference literature, including "Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable" and "A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar." His works, which often blended scientific inquiry with theological reflections, gained immense popularity during the Victorian era. At the time of his death, Brewer's legacy as a key figure in the development of reference books was firmly established, and his writings continued to influence readers and scholars alike.
Community analysis and theories will be displayed here when available.
The Life and Legacy of E. Cobham Brewer
An Unlikely Lexicographer
In the heart of Norwich, England, on May 2, 1810, Ebenezer Cobham Brewer was born into a family deeply rooted in education. His father, John Sherren Brewer, was a schoolmaster with a Baptist congregation, and his mother, Elisabeth Kitton, was a nurturing presence in young Brewer's life. Growing up surrounded by books and the pursuit of knowledge, it was perhaps inevitable that Brewer would become one of the most influential reference-book authors of his time.
Academic Foundations and Travels
Brewer's academic journey began under his father's tutelage at a school in Calvert Street, Norwich, until the family relocated in 1824 to open a new academy in Eaton, on the outskirts of the city. From there, Brewer's intellectual path led him to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Law in 1836. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and he was ordained two years later, in 1838, marking the beginning of a lifelong relationship with both education and theology.
A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar
Brewer's return to Norwich saw him working alongside his father once more. It was during this period that he penned his first major work, "A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar," published between 1838 and 1841. This book, structured as a catechism, sought to demystify the everyday phenomena of life, offering explanations for why snow is white and leaves are green. Brewer's work did more than merely inform; it invited readers to reflect on the divine wisdom and goodness of God as evident in the scientific world. The success of this publication possibly financed Brewer's extensive travels across Europe, further broadening his horizons and inspiring subsequent works.
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
Upon his return to England in 1856, Brewer embarked on a project that would cement his legacy: "Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable." This seminal work, first published in 1870 and revised in 1895, was born out of correspondence with readers of his earlier publications. Brewer's method was meticulous; he described his process in the preface to the "Historic Note-Book," explaining how he would jot down useful information during his reading and sort it meticulously. This habit, cultivated over sixty years, contributed to the richness and depth of his later works.
The Reader's Handbook and Beyond
Brewer's influence extended beyond his own publications. "The Reader's Handbook," edited by Henrietta Gerwig, became the foundation for "Crowell's Handbook for Readers and Writers," which eventually evolved into "Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia." This encyclopedia, described by Benét as "veritably a new book," remains in print, a testament to Brewer's enduring impact. In the United States, Marion Harland re-edited "The Reader's Handbook," publishing it as "Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama" in 1892. Brewer's other notable works include "A Dictionary of Miracles: Imitative, Realistic and Dogmatic" and "The Historic Notebook, With an Appendix of Battles."
A Family of Achievers
Brewer was not the only luminary in his family. His siblings also found success in various fields. John Sherren Brewer Jr. became a distinguished historian and editor at the Public Record Office. His artistic legacy continued through his son, Henry William Brewer, an architectural illustrator, and grandsons Henry Charles Brewer and James Alphege Brewer. William Brewer, another of Ebenezer's brothers, pursued a career in medicine and politics, serving as a Liberal MP for Colchester in 1868. Meanwhile, Robert Kitton Brewer combined music and ministry as a Doctor of Music and Baptist minister. Two of Brewer's sisters ran a girls' school in Norwich, continuing the family's educational tradition.
In 1856, Brewer married Ellen Mary, the eldest daughter of Rev. Francis Tebbutt of Hove, in Paris. Their union was a testament to his personal and professional life's intertwining of education and faith.
The Final Years
E. Cobham Brewer's life concluded on March 6, 1897, at Edwinstowe Vicarage in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, where he lived with his son-in-law, Rev. H. T. Hayman. His passing marked the end of a remarkable journey, but his works continue to enlighten and inspire readers worldwide.
Sources
To delve deeper into the life and works of E. Cobham Brewer, visit the Wikipedia article that served as the basis for this narrative.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
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Join the discussion
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