The Edinburgh of John Kay

by Eric Melvin, John Kay (Illustrator)

John Kay (1742 - 1826) was a self-taught artist and engraver who had come to Edinburgh as a young man to work as a barber and hairdresser. However in 1784 he abandoned his craft and for the next 38 years he sketched and engraved his contemporaries. Some 329 of his engravings, with accompanying notes, were published posthumously as Kay's Portraits in 1837. This remarkable man has left us images of intellectual giants of 'The Golden Age' such as Joseph Black, James Hutton and Adam Smith; notable eccentrics such as Lord Gardenstone; the formidable Lord Braxfield; the notorious Deacon William Brodie and a host of colourful characters who walked past his workshop behind in Edinburgh's Parliament Close. "Using artist John Kay's years in Edinburgh as the window through which to view the tumultuous and stirring history of the capital is a clever device. Eric Melvin offers an entertaining, exceedingly well-informed account of the great diversions and events of the era that does credit to Kay's wit and perception. A terrific read."
Rosemary Goring 'The Herald'

'The Edinburgh of John Kay has 248 pages and is profusely illustrated. Many of John Kay's original engravings have been included. Considerable use is made of contemporary sources in the telling of John Kay's story.

248 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2017

About the author

Born and educated in Edinburgh, Eric Melvin graduated with First Class Honours in History and Political Thought from Edinburgh University in 1967. He qualified as a Secondary Teacher of History and Modern Studies He retired from teaching in 2005, working latterly as Headteacher at Currie Community High School, located in the west of the City.

Reviews

[C P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting indeed, especially if you know and love Edinburgh. Not at all dry reading.

[Janet Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting stories about Edinburgh people during the Enlightenment of the 18th century. Scientists, Philosophers, Military, Judges, Shopkeepers and many others.