George Cupples (2 August 1822 — 17 October 1891) was a Scottish journalist and a writer, who became famous at the end of 19th century for his maritime novels. In particular, his novel The Green Hand: adventures of a naval lieutenant was considered "one of the best sea stories ever written" at the time. His wife, Anne Jane Cupples, also became a famous writer of juvenile and children books.
Biography
George Cupples was born on 2 August 1822 in Legerwood manse in south-east Scotland in the family of Reverend George Cupples. His paternal ancestors were Calvinistic ministers for at least three generations, and Cupples was intended for the same profession. Cupples started his education at the ministry, then studied at Dr. Munro's academy in Stirling. After graduating from the academy at the age of 12 in 1834, Cupples entered the University of Edinburgh. He did not complete his studies at the university, however, and in protest against the intended career, in 1839 Cupples travelled to Liverpool and sailed to India on the barque Patriot King as an apprentice.
When Cupples returned to Britain after 18 months at sea, he chose not to continue his maritime career, finding the life of a seaman too weary. Instead, he returned to the University of Edinburgh, graduated from it after the total of eight years of studies, and pursued a literary career. His most notable novel, The Green Hand was first published in Blackwood's Magazine from 1848 to 1851. Most of Cupples' journalistic work and some of his novels were published anonymously. On 18 May 1858, 35-year-old Cupples married 19-year-old daughter of post office official, Anne Jane Douglas, who also later pursued literary career, publishing almost 50 children books, using the name "Mrs. George Cupples."
