John Howell (1788–1863) was a nineteenth-century Scottish polyartist, inventor, and writer who lived and worked in Edinburgh. Throughout his career, Howell engaged in a remarkably diverse array of professional and creative pursuits, establishing himself as a bookbinder, author, editor, and shopkeeper. His multi-faceted endeavors in Edinburgh's literary and commercial scenes demonstrated a unique blend of craftsmanship, editorial skill, and entrepreneurial spirit.
In addition to his literary and trade activities, Howell gained notoriety for his highly ambitious and outlandish mechanical inventions. Driven by a desire to conquer new domains of transport, he designed and constructed machines intended for both human flight and underwater travel. These daring experiments, which he conducted himself, often carried immense personal risk. During his attempt to fly in one of his custom-built devices, Howell suffered a severe accident that broke his legs. Undeterred by physical danger, he also tested a self-designed submarine machine, an endeavor that nearly resulted in his drowning. Through these dramatic exploits and his varied professional life, Howell left a legacy as one of Scotland's most eccentric and versatile nineteenth-century figures.
