1532 and 1602. Academic contribution Aitken served as a Governor of University College, London. Legacy An inventory of his book collection is held at the Harry Ransom Center, Austin, Texas. Part of the University of Texas, it is currently recognised as having the largest collection of early printed editions of Geoffrey Chaucer. At least 17 editions formed part of the Aitken's own collection. The Folger Shakespeare Library holds a signed letter from him to Augustin Daly dated 19 February 1894. Personal Aitken was born on 19 March 1860 in Barkingside, Essex. The son of John Aitken and Mary Ann Salmon. He had no siblings. At the age of 43, he married Emma Cawthorne on 18 April 1903, two years his senior. His wife was a former headmistress at Coborn School. He had no children. Aitken died in Hampstead, North London at the age of 57 on 16 November 1917. He is buried at St John-at-Hampstead Churchyard. References 1860 births 1917 deaths 19th-century British writers Companions of the Order of the Bath Members of the Royal Victorian Order People associated with University College London