CHARLES SHIRLEY BROOKS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1744, 7 March 1874, Page 3

CHARLES SHIRLEY BROOKS.

Bbooks, Charles Shirley, author, was born in 1815. Originally intended for the profession of the law, he went through the usual studies, and passed a distinguished examination before the incorporated Law Society. Having a preference lor literature, Mr Brooks applied himself to dramatic composition and journalism and met with success, which decided his subsequent career. He produced a series of dramas at the Hay market, Lyceum, and Olympic theatres, the best of which are " Our New Governess," an amusing two-act comedy, instinct with fun and (For remainder of News see 4fh page.)

character, and which haß frequently been revived ; " Honours and Tricks," a threeact comedy of wit and intrigue ; and " The Creole," a drama of strong interest, based on a story of slavery in Mauritius. Mr Brooks became the writer of the Parliamentary summary for the Morning Chronkkf and occupied a seat in the reporters' gallery in the House of Commons for five sessions. During the intervals of this engagement he visited Russia, Syria, and Egypt, as the special commissioner despatched by the Chronicle in the prosecution of its inquiries into foreign as well a3 British "Labour and the Poor." His letters appeared in that journal, and some have been reprinted under the title of "The Russians of the South." Mr Brooks has written several novels, the best known being* " Aspen Court/ " The Gordian Knot," " The Silver Cord," and "Sooner or Later." He has acquired considerable reputation as a lectur or : and has long contributed political and social articles to the Illustrated London Neivs. He was for many years one of the most diligent contributors to Punch, and on the death of Mr Mark Lemon, in 1870, became the editor of that periodical.