Pratt

PRATT, Samuel Jackson (“CourrNEY Mimmar0), English author: b. Saint Ives, Huntingdonshire, 25 Dec. 1749; d. Birmingham, 4 Oct. 1814. He was ordained in the English Church, but later went on the stage where his career was not notable and then turned his attention to literature. He was a very prolific writer and his works cover a wide range of subjects. Though undoubtedly possessing con siderable literary talent, force of circumstances prevented him from giving sufficient time and effort to his work so that very little of it proved of lasting value. He is by some authorities credited with a translation of Goethe's which, in 1809, was pub lished by a Dr. Pratt. Of his works, many of which were published the most important are a poem (1803) ;

(3 vols., 1805). In 1808 he edited and pub lished the (1813). The epitaph on Garrick's monument in Westminster Abbey is likewise from his pen and perhaps has been criticised and con demned to a greater extent than any of his other writings. Selections from his works were published as follows: 'Pity's Gift' (Lon don 1801) and (Lon don 1810). Consult Blarkwood's Magazine (January 1895, pp. 121-125) ; Gentleman's Magazine (1814, pt. II, pp. 398-399).