James Macpherson was a Scottish poet and translator, born in 1736 in the Highlands of Scotland. He is best known for his works that claimed to be translations of ancient Gaelic poetry, particularly the epic poems attributed to the legendary bard Ossian. His writings gained significant popularity in the 18th century and influenced the Romantic movement. Macpherson's most famous work, "Fragments of Ancient Poetry," was published in 1760 and sparked considerable debate over its authenticity. Critics argued that he had fabricated the poems, while supporters praised their emotional depth and beauty. Despite the controversy, Macpherson's contributions to literature remain noteworthy.