Alfred Ainger (9 February 1837 – 8 February 1904) was an English biographer and critic. The son of an architect in London. He was educated at University College School, King's College London and Trinity College, Cambridge,[1] from where he subsequently entered the Church, and, after holding various minor preferments, became Master of the Temple. He wrote memoirs of Thomas Hood and George Crabbe, but is best known for his biography of Charles Lamb and his edition of Lamb's works in 6 volumes (1883-88). He also wrote hymns, such as God is working his purpose out.[2] among other works co-authored with Lamb