Authors born in 1842
- Agnes Mary Clerke Astronaut, 1842
- Albert Sorel Historian, 1842
- Alfred Marshall Economist, 1842
- Ambrose Bierce Short Story Writer, 1842
- Arrigo Boito Composer, 1842
- Arthur Sullivan Composer, 1842
- Camille Flammarion Astronomer, 1842
- Charles Bernhard Heyd Parliamentarian, 1842
- Charles Henry Parkhurst Clergyman, 1842
- Charles Lapworth Geologist, 1842
- Ellen Swallow Richards Scientist, 1842
- Georg Brandes Critic, 1842
- George Frederick Pentecost Evangelist, 1842
- George Herbert Palmer Scholar, 1842
- George Matheson Author, 1842
- George Trumbull Ladd Philosopher, 1842
- George W. Plunkitt Politician, 1842
- John Fiske Philosopher, 1842
- Jules Massenet Composer, 1842
- Peter Kropotkin Activist, 1842
- Sidney Lanier Poet, 1842
- William James Philosopher, 1842
- William R. Webb Teacher, 1842