GROTE, George, English historical writer: b. Clayhill, Kent, 17 Nov. 1794; d. London, 18 June 1871. After having studied at the Charter house, in 1809, he became a clerk in his father's banking house. He kept on with his studies, particularly with philosophy, and his liberal trend of thought gradually drew him into poli tics. He had written and spoken much in favor of the Reform Bill which was passed in 1832 and in that year he was elected to the House of Commons from London, which seat he continu ously occupied until 1841. During all these years he had steadily worked upon his 'History of Greece,' the idea of which was suggested to him by the spirit of partiality displayed in Mit ford's 'History of Greece' and which he had severely criticised in an article in the West minster Review (April 1826). He had as early as 1823 devoted himself to the study of Greek history, for a sympathetic interpretation of which his extreme liberality made him admirably suited, and though to a certain extent the spint of democracy is evident in the 'History of Greece,' yet the facts are placed before the reader with the idea that he will form his own conclusion. His private and public duties had
prohibited literary work and it was not until he retired that he completed the first two vol umes which appeared in 1845, the last volume of the set, the twelfth, appearing in 1856. Grote also wrote 'Plato and the Other Companions of (3 vols., 1865) ; 'Minor Works' (edited by Alexander Bain, London 1873) and 'Aristotle,' which he left unfinished (2 vols., 1872). He had taken an active interest in edu cational matters, in 1860 becoming vice-chancel lor of the London University and in 1869 pres ident of the University College, and also was elected a trustee of the British Museum. Con sult Grote, Mrs., 'Memoirs' (London 1873) ; Bain, Alexander, 'Character and Writings of G. Grote,' prefixed to his 'Minor Works' (Lon don 1873).