Inscribed Photograph of Reverend John Watson, Better Known as Author "Ian Maclaren" to Major J. B. Pond.
n.p. 1890's. 1 sheet. 9 7/8 x 8 3/8 inches on 14 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch sheet. 10.5 x 14.5 inches. Edges chipped and worn, light soiling and staining, small tear about one half inch into background of the photograph, about very good. Item #45924
Inscribed photograph printed on card stock of Reverend John Watson, better known under his pseudonym "Ian Maclaren" to his American tour manager, Major J. B. Pond.
Having graduating from the University of Edinburgh, John Watson (1850–1907) served as a pastor throughout various locations in Scotland, until he secured a place at Liverpool's Sefton Park Presbyterian Church in 1880. Throughout this time, he entertained literary pursuits, albeit in the background, until he gained notoriety in 1894 for "Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush," which was written under the pen name Ian Maclaren. For the remainder of his life, Watson maintained his post as a minister, while publishing works of fiction, non-fiction, and religious discourses.
"From 12 Oct. to 16 Dec. 1896 Watson, taking advantage of the popularity of his books, made his first American lecture tour under the management of Major J. B. Pond, and was welcomed with immense enthusiasm (Pond, Eccentricities of Genius, p. 405). At Yale University he was made hon. D.D. after delivering there the Lyman Beecher lectures on preaching, which he published in the same year under the title of 'The Cure of Souls.' Watson repeated his success in a second American lecture tour, also under Pond's direction (19 Feb.-10 May 1899)" (Dictionary of National Biography, 1912 Supplement, p. 606.
Rare. We could fine no copies of this image of Watson on any database.
Price: $175.00