Douglas William Jerrold

Date of Birth: January 3, 1803

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: June 8, 1857

Biography

Douglas William Jerrold was a renowned English dramatist and humorist born on January 3, 1803, in London, England. He is best known for his play “Black-Eyed Susan” (1829), which was a significant success and became one of the most performed plays of the 19th century. Jerrold’s sharp wit and satirical style made him a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time. Jerrold began his career in the Navy but soon turned his attention to writing. His early works included contributions to various periodicals, but it was his dramatic works that cemented his reputation. Apart from “Black-Eyed Susan,” his other notable plays include “The Rent Day” (1832) and “Time Works Wonders” (1845). He was also a prolific contributor to the magazine “Punch,” where his series “Mrs. Caudle’s Curtain Lectures” gained immense popularity. Jerrold’s writing often critiqued social injustices and championed the cause of the underprivileged, which resonated with many of his contemporaries. His legacy is marked by his contribution to the development of English drama and his influence on later writers.

5 Interesting Facts about Douglas William Jerrold

1. Douglas William Jerrold joined the Navy at the age of 10 but later left to pursue a career in writing.

2. His play “Black-Eyed Susan” was one of the most popular plays of the 19th century and ran for over 300 performances.

3. Jerrold was a founding member of the Savage Club, a gentlemen’s club for artists and writers.

4. He was a close friend of Charles Dickens, who admired his wit and satirical prowess.

5. Jerrold’s series “Mrs. Caudle’s Curtain Lectures” in “Punch” magazine was widely read and later published as a book.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Douglas William Jerrold

1. “The surest way to make a monkey of a man is to quote him.”

2. “Happiness grows at our own firesides, and is not to be picked in strangers’ gardens.”

3. “A coquette is like a recruiting sergeant, always on the lookout for fresh victims.”

4. “The sharpest sting of adversity it borrows from our own impatience.”

5. “A conservative government is an organized hypocrisy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Douglas William Jerrold achieved a considerable net worth during his lifetime, with estimates suggesting he was worth approximately £5,000 at the time of his death, a significant sum for the period.

Children

Douglas William Jerrold had several children. His son, William Blanchard Jerrold, followed in his footsteps and became a notable journalist and author. Another son, Douglas Jerrold, also pursued a career in writing.