William Gilbert (author)

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William Gilbert, (May 24 1804 – January 3 1890) was a British novelist and naval surgeon, author of several popular fantasy stories. He is perhaps best remembered in modern times, though, as the father of dramatist W. S. Gilbert (1836-1911).

The elder William Gilbert spent much of his time as a young man travelling, only settling down in his middle years, well after the birth of his son. The family settled in London in 1849, and Gilbert began his writing career. Direct descendants of the Gilbert family still live in Cornwall, UK.

Gilbert's 1866 book, Magic Mirror, was illustrated by his multi-talented son. Among Gilbert's best-known, and most popular, works were his Innominato tales, published in various magazines, including Argosy, and finally collected in 1867's The Wizard of the Mountain. These concerned a sorcerer called the Innominato, or "Nameless," in 13th century Italy.

Gilbert and his wife were divorced in 1876; he published little thereafter. An essay entitled "William Gilbert (1804-1890) of Bishopstoke" by a local historian can be viewed at Hampshire County Council, North Walls, Winchester Library, Eastleigh Museum and Eastleigh Library which lists all known works.

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