Robert Kirk

ABOUT ROBERT KIRK

Remembered best for his Scottish Highlands folklore-themed work The Secret Commonwealth, Kirk was also instrumental in creating a Scottish Gaelic translation of The Bible.

He earned theology degrees from both the University of St. Andrews and Edinburgh University and later presided over Presbyterian congregations in both Balquhidder and his native Aberfoyle.

He died at the age of forty-seven while taking a nighttime walk on the hill near his home. Scottish legend held that his body had been carried off by the fairies he loved so much.

He and his six older siblings grew up in Aberfoyle, Scotland, as the children of Minister James Kirk. Robert Kirk's first marriage -- to Isobel Campbel -- resulted in a son named Colin, and his second marriage -- to Margaret Kirk -- produced a child named Robert.

His famous work was published posthumously. Its title, The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies, was the creation of fellow Scottish folklorist Andrew Lang .