John Home, born on September 22, 1722 in Leith, Scotland, was a Scottish minister, historian, and playwright, best known for his tragedy Douglas (1756). He was also a tutor to the Prince of Wales and a respected figure in Enlightenment-era literary circles
Home’s play Douglas was a massive success. It caused a sensation at its debut performance in Edinburgh. The story of a nobleman’s long-lost son returning home struck a chord with Scottish audiences.
After the premiere, a famous remark was reportedly shouted by a working-class audience member:
“Whaur’s yer Wully Shakespeare noo?”
This enthusiastic cry compared Home favorably to William Shakespeare, reflecting the national pride felt in Scotland for having produced such a playwright.