Charles William Shirley Brooks - Definition and Overview

Charles William Shirley Brooks (1816 - 1874), journalist and novelist, born in London, began life in a solicitor's office. He early, however, took to literature, and contributed to various periodicals. In 1851 he joined the staff of Punch, to which he contributed "Essence of Parliament," and on the death of Mark Lemon (_q.v._) he succeeded him as editor. He published a few novels, including Aspen Court and The Gordian Knot.

This article is originally from A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature.