Gairdner, James (1828–1912)

Scottish historian. He edited a considerable number of historical works, and contributed much to modern historical literature; his publications on the early Tudor period are still considered standard authorities. Other works include Richard III (1878), Studies in English History (with James Spedding, 1881), and Lollardy and the Reformation in England (1908).

He was born in Edinburgh, entered the Public Record Office when a boy, and afterwards became assistant keeper.

Among the works which Gairdner edited are Memorials of King Henry the Seventh (1858), Letters and Papers of the Reigns of Richard III and Henry VII (1861), The Paston Letters (1872–75), and Letters and Papers of the Reign of Henry VIII (1880–1910).