Chalmers, Alexander (1759–1834)

Scottish biographer and editor. His Glossary to Shakespeare appeared 1797 and British Essayists (45 volumes) 1817. His reputation rests chiefly on his General Biographical Dictionary in 32 volumes, 1812–17.

Chalmers was born in Aberdeen. He studied medicine but turned to journalism. He edited newspapers in London, contributed to periodicals, and wrote prefaces for new editions of English classics.