Stephen Roberts

Thomas Miller (1807-1874): Basket-Maker and Poor Author Stephen Roberts

In his day Thomas Miller (1807-74) was compared to Dickens. His novel Gideon Giles (1841) - featuring the immensely likeable ale-drinker Ben Brust - was extremely popular. His depiction of his early life in the river port of Gainsborough Our Old Town (1857) won admirers for its charm and gentle humour. Novels, verses and - his speciality - depictions of rural life flowed from Miller's pen. He never stopped writing. Yet he struggled to make a living from his work, and often had to apply for assistance from the Royal Literary Fund. Today Miller is barely remembered.

This book begins with a substantial essay charting Miller's career as a poor author. Selections from his writings about Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and London follow. The reader will discover that Miller's work can still be enjoyed today.