The New International Encyclopædia/Adams, William (allegorist)
ADAMS, William (1814-48). An English allegorist. He was educated at Eton and at Merton College, Oxford, where he became tutor and fellow in 1837. Appointed vicar of St. Peter's-in-the-East, Oxford, in 1840, he resigned because of his ill health, and passed the last four years of his life at Bonchurch, Isle of Wight. Adams was the author of several popular religious allegories, most of which were written during the years when he was slowly dying. They comprise Silvio, The Shadow of the Cross, Fall of Crœsus, The Old Man's Home, and the King's Messengers. They are all of interest, and the Old Man's Home is likely long to survive, because of its natural grace and charm. Adams is also the author of a boy's story entitled Cherry Stones, reprints of which are still frequent.