Chambers

William and Robert, two Scottish brothers, well known as publishers and writers. They were born at Peebles, Scotland; William, in 1800, Robert in 1802. They both died at Edinburgh; Robert in 1871, William in 1883. Robert was designed for the church, but his parents were unable to give him the necessary education. Although poor, the family possessed a few books, among them a copy of the first edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica. There was also a small circulating library in the town. The brothers made all possible use of these books. The family removed to Edinburgh while the boys were still quite young. At the age of sixteen Robert opened a humble book-stall, his entire stock in trade being the old books which had belonged to his father. At the same time, his brother William conducted a similar but distinct business elsewhere. These were the small beginnings of the later well known publishing firm of W. and R. Chambers.

The brothers issued penny leaflets of useful information for the people, written in a clear, pleasing style. These became popular, and led to the establishment by William in 1832 of a regular periodical, Chambers's Journal. Robert soon became joint editor, and wrote nearly all of the leading articles. Traditions of Edinburgh was the first published work which brought him into general notice. Thereafter, either alone or conjointly with his brother, he wrote and compiled a large number of works relative to the antiquities, history, literature, and industries of Scotland. His most important works are Life of Robert Burns in four volumes, A Cyclopedia of English Literature, The Book of Days, and Domestic Annals of Scotland. Chambers's Encyclopedia for the People was an outgrowth of the Journal, and was edited by the brothers. It is probably the best thing of the sort ever published.

William Chambers, besides the work done in connection with Robert, published several books on various subjects. Things as They Are in America, American Slavery and Color, and France: Its History and Revolution are among them. Both brothers were remarkable men, notable examples of achievement in the domain of letters made by those with little so-called education, but with the natural love of books and learning. Robert Chambers said in his later years, "Books, not playthings, filled my hands in childhood." The child proved father to the man.