Smith, J F
Entry updated 31 July 2023. Tagged: Author.
(1806-1890) UK author active from around 1830, very popular in the mid-nineteenth century though he died forgotten. The Chronicles of Stanfield Hall: The Young Chevalier; Or, the Wars of the Guelphs and Stuarts (1849-1850 London Journal; 1851; vt Stanfield Hall 1888-1889 3vols), published initially feuilleton-style in 59 weekly parts, inserts a range of Inventions into an historical melodrama (which itself ranges from the Middle Ages to the Restoration). These inventions include a Drug which induces Suspended Animation, plastic surgery, various advanced Weapons, and a video camera which works as a Time Viewer. The resulting tale is incoherent but rousing; it is a clear marker of the movement of popular English literature in the direction of sf. [JC]
John Frederick Smith
born Norwich, Norfolk: 12 March 1806
died New York: before 4 March 1890
works (highly selected)
- The Chronicles of Stanfield Hall: The Young Chevalier; Or, the Wars of the Guelphs and Stuarts (London: Strange, 1851) [bind-up comprising the 59 weekly parts: first appeared 1849-1850 London Journal: binding unknown/]
- Stanfield Hall (London: Bradley and Company, 1888-1889) [vt of the above: published in three volumes: two in 1888, the third, whose title page reads Cromwell; Or, the Protector's Oath, in 1889: hb/]
links
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