Educated in law at Durham, Surtees began a law practice in London and eventually became a Justice of the Peace and High Sheriff of Durham County. In 1831, he founded New Sporting Magazine and introduced the character of John Jorrocks. The success of this led, in 1838, to the publication of Jorrocks' Jaunts and Jollities, which is said to have influenced Charles Dickens in his Pickwick Papers. In 1853, Surtees published Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour, introducing the equally charming Cockney character of Soapy Sponge. His other works include The Horseman's Manual (1831), Handley Cross (1843), Analysis of the Hunting Field (1846), Hawbuck Grange (1847), Plain or Ringlets (1860) and Mr. Facey Romford's Hounds (1865 Posthumous). |
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