Brown, Thomas, 1802-1873 (Laird, poet, and author)

Person

Biography

Probably Thomas Brown (1802-1873) Laird of Lanfine and Waterhaughs. He was the author of Borgia, a Tragedy, and other poems, and was a "man of ability and literary attainments". At one time he contemplated the preparation of the manuscripts of George Bogle, the traveller in Tibet, for publication, and consulted his uncle, Lord Jeffrey, on the subject. But he never found time to carry out his intention" (Markham, C.R. Narratives of the mission of George Bogle to Tibet (1879), p.clv). Letter of T[homas] Brown, [8 Albyn Place, Edinburgh] 17 March 1862, to Mr [?John] Muir, read to Senate: “I am very sorry that I was out, when you had the kindness to call today. I quite acquiesce in your views as to sending the Persian Mss. to the University Library of Edinburgh, and feel much indebted to you for the trouble you have taken regarding them. I have no idea that they are rare or valuable; but notwithstanding they may fill up a blank in a collection.” This letter accompanied 12 vols of Persian Mss which were presented to the Library. (/university of Edinburgh, Senate Minutes, 29 March 1862, pp.129-30, EUA IN1/GOV/SEN/MIN/1, vol. II). These are the items bearing the armorial book plate of Thomas' brother Robert Brown. Although 12 manuscripts are discussed, only 11 have been identified as pertaining to this donation.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

گلستان Gulistān, undated copy (original text compiled 13th Cent. C.E.)

Item

Identifier: Or Ms 344

Scope and Contents

This is a complete copy of the famous Gulistān by Persian poet Shaykh Sa‘dī Shīrāzī (d. 691 A.H., 1292 C.E.).

Dates: undated copy (original text compiled 13th Cent. C.E.)

Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Manuscripts of the Islamicate World and South Asia

مخزن الاخلاق Makhzan al-akhlāq, undated

Item

Identifier: Or Ms 375

Scope and Contents A collection of miscellaneous writings in prose and verse by different authors. This manuscript in its details is exactly the same as that described in Charles Rieu's Catalogue of the Persian manuscripts in the British Museum, ii, London, 1895, p.796.For a complete list of its contents see the entry for this manuscript in: A Descriptive Catalogue of the Arabic and Persian Manuscripts in Edinburgh University Library...

Dates: undated