James Grant

James Grant (1 August 1822 – 5 May 1887) was a Scottish novelist and miscellaneous writer.

Grant was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a distant relation of Sir Walter Scott. He was a prolific author, writing some 90 books, including many yellow-backs. Titles included Adventures of an Aide-De-Camp, One of "The Six Hundred", The Scottish Musketeers and The Scottish Cavalier. Many of his 56 novels are about important characters and events in Scottish history.

In 1853 he founded the National Association for the Vindication of Scottish Rights.

Early life

Grant was born in Edinburgh on 1 August 1822. He was the eldest son of John Grant, a captain in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, and his wife, the eldest daughter of Captain Andrew Watson of Overmains. His paternal grandfather was James Grant of Corrimony (1743–1835), an advocate and Jacobite sympathiser. Through his mother he was related to Sir Walter Scott.

His father, Captain John Grant, had served with distinction in the Peninsular War. After his wife's death, he obtained a command in Newfoundland, sailing there in 1833 along with his three sons. After spending six years in American barracks James returned home with his father, who had resigned his command.

In 1840, through the influence of Lord Hill, under whom Captain Grant had served in Spain, James Grant was gazetted to an ensigncy in the 62nd Foot, and joined the provisional battalion at Chatham. He was appointed to command the depot, but in 1843 resigned his commission and entered the office of Mr. Rhind, architect, Edinburgh.