Richard Garnett (1835–1906) was a versatile British scholar, librarian, biographer, and poet who made significant contributions to the preservation and administration of literature during the late nineteenth century. He is perhaps best remembered for his long and distinguished service at the British Museum, where he eventually rose to the position of Keeper of Printed Books, serving in this capacity from 1890 until 1899. His work at the museum cemented his reputation as one of the preeminent library administrators of his era.
In addition to his professional duties as a librarian, Garnett was an active and prolific writer. His literary endeavors spanned several fields; he worked as a biographer, documenting the lives of notable figures, and expressed his creative side through poetry. His intellectual curiosity also led him to study and write about astrology, reflecting the diverse and eclectic interests of Victorian-era scholars. Through his combined efforts in librarianship and letters, Garnett left a lasting mark on the British literary landscape.
