Edwin Abbott Abbott ( 1838-1926) has been
ranked as one of the leading scholars and the-
ologians of the Victorian era. He received highest
honors in mathematics, classics, and theology at
St. John's College, Cambridge, and in 1862
began a brilliant career, during which he served
as schoolmaster of some of England's outstanding
schools. At the same time he distinguished him-
self as a scholar, and in 1889 he retired to his
studies. Although Flatland, a literary jeu d'esprit,
has given pleasure to thousands of readers over
many generations, Abbott is best known for his
scholarly works, especially his Shakespearian
Grammar and his life of Francis Bacon, and for
a number of theological discussions.

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