Hugh Chisholm

Quick Facts: Who was Hugh Chisholm?

Subject:

Hugh Chisholm

Known for:

British journalist and editor known for his work on the Encyclopædia Britannica.

Born:

1866-02-22

Died:

1924-09-29

Century / Era:

1866s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Hugh Chisholm ( CHIZ-əm; 22 February 1866 – 29 September 1924) was a British journalist. He was the editor of the 10th, 11th and 12th editions of the Encyclopædia Britannica. He was born in London, England, a son of Henry Williams Chisholm (1809–1901), Warden of the Standards at the Board of Trade, and his wife Anna Louisa Bell; the mathematician Grace Chisholm was his sister. He was educated at Felsted School and matriculated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, in 1884, graduating in 1888 with a first class in literae humaniores. He was called to the bar at the Middle Temple in 1892.

Career & Major Achievements

Chisholm worked for The St James's Gazette as assistant editor from 1892 and was appointed editor in 1897. During these years, he also contributed numerous articles on political, financial and literary subjects to the weekly journals and monthly reviews, becoming well known as a literary critic and conservative publicist. He moved in 1899 to The Standard as chief leader-writer and moved in 1900 to The Times, to act as co-editor with Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace and President Arthur Twining Hadley of Yale University on preparation of the eleven volumes forming the 10th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica. In 1903, he became editor-in-chief for the 11th edition, which was completed under his direction in 1910, and published as a whole by the Cambridge University Press, in 29 volumes, in 1911. He subsequently planned and edited the Britannica Year-Book (1913).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Chisholm had been suggested as replacement as editor of The Times as an alternative to Geoffrey Dawson. Lord Northcliffe, owner of The Times from 1909, promised him the post in 1911, but did not act on the promise, and Dawson continued to 1919. In 1913, following his return from America overseeing the printing of The Britannica Year-Book, Chisholm was appointed day editor of The Times. His role included that of leader writer; but eventually he fell out with Northcliffe. In August 1913, he was appointed a director of the company.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1809: 1809 Milestone — He was born in London, England, a son of Henry Williams Chisholm (1809–1901), Warden of the Standards at the Board of Trade, and his wife Anna Louisa Bell; the mathematician Grace Chisholm was his sister.
2. 1866 (1866-02-22): Birth of Hugh Chisholm — British journalist and editor known for his work on the Encyclopædia Britannica.
3. 1884: 1884 Milestone — He was educated at Felsted School and matriculated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, in 1884, graduating in 1888 with a first class in literae humaniores.
4. 1892: 1892 Milestone — He was called to the bar at the Middle Temple in 1892.
5. 1899: 1899 Milestone — He moved in 1899 to The Standard as chief leader-writer and moved in 1900 to The Times, to act as co-editor with Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace and President Arthur Twining Hadley of Yale University on preparation of the eleven volumes forming the 10th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica.
6. 1903: 1903 Milestone — In 1903, he became editor-in-chief for the 11th edition, which was completed under his direction in 1910, and published as a whole by the Cambridge University Press, in 29 volumes, in 1911.
7. 1909: 1909 Milestone — Lord Northcliffe, owner of The Times from 1909, promised him the post in 1911, but did not act on the promise, and Dawson continued to 1919.
8. 1913: 1913 Milestone — He subsequently planned and edited the Britannica Year-Book (1913).
9. 1924 (1924-09-29): Passing & Historical Legacy — Hugh Chisholm passed away on 1924-09-29, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hugh Chisholm

True or False: “Hugh Chisholm was appointed as the permanent editor of The Times immediately after Lord Northcliffe's ownership began in 1909.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Lord Northcliffe promised him the post in 1911, but he did not act on that promise, and Geoffrey Dawson continued until 1919.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hugh Chisholm