Edwin Atherstone

Who was Edwin Atherstone?

Edwin Atherstone was a poet and novelist. His works, which were planned on an imposing scale, attracted some temporary attention and applause, but are now forgotten. His chief poem, The Fall of Nineveh, consisting of thirty books, appeared at intervals from 1828 to 1868. He was a close friend and associate of the painter John Martin, whose well-known painting "The Fall of Nineveh" was produced in conjunction with Atherstone's poem.

He also produced two novels, The Sea Kings in England and The Handwriting on the Wall.