< Back Kings, Poets and Writers James Ballantine James Ballantine (11 June 1808 – 18 December 1877) was an important artist and author. Born in Edinburgh, he began his career as a painter. Following his studies in art he became one of the first to revive Gothic architecture and the art of painting on glass and is one of the pioneers of European design. He later wrote works including The Gaberlunzie's Wallet (1843), Miller of Deanhaugh (1845), Poems (1856), 100 Songs with Music (1865), and a Life of David Roberts, R.A. (1866). He died of a heart attack at the age of 69.