J. B. Selkirk

James Bucham Brown (J.B. Selkirk) (1832 – 25 December 1904) was a Scottish poet and essayist. He is now widely recognized as one of Scotland's finest 19th century poets and essayists.

Youth and schooling

Brown was born in Galashiels in 1832 from a family that had been woollen manufacturers for generations. He was educated at Selkirk and later at the Edinburgh Institution. He became apprenticed to his fathers business and later a member of the firm, having a prosperous career as a tweed manufacturer. He was married early in life and his affluence allowed him to spend a lot of time on the continent, especially Cannes.

Works

His two published works of poetry were Poems in 1869 and a posthumous work Thoughts and Musings of J.B.Selkirk in 1912. As well as poetry he wrote a number of prose works including 'Bible Truths', which went to a large number of editions. His pseudonym was made up of the initials of his name and the town where he lived.