b. 3 January 1831. d. 26 August 1909. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Prolific novelist, writer of fiction and non-fiction for boys, and poet. Born in London.
Father was a butler. Mostly self-educated, especially in languages. Went to Battersea
Training College for Teachers from 1851 to 1854, and after that worked as a school
teacher at Alford, Lincolnshire, before his literary career took off in 1864. Married
Susannah Leak on 24 May 1855. Bought a small printing press and began a magazine in
verse, *Modern Metre* (May-October 1862). Drama critic for *The Echo*. Became editor
of *Cassell’s Magazine* in 1870, and proprietor of *Once a Week* from 1873. Biographical
information: *ODNB*. (AC)