Robert Smith Surtees

Robert Smith Surtees: The Man Behind the Foxhunting Mischief

Robert Smith Surtees (1805-1864) was an English author who carved a unique niche in literature. Here's a breakdown of his life and work:

The Sporting Life and Literary Beginnings:

• Born into an established County Durham family, Surtees wasn't your typical literary figure.
• He was a passionate sportsman, particularly fox hunting, which became a central theme in his writing.
• Surtees dabbled in law but found his true calling in editing and writing for sporting publications like the New Sporting Magazine (NSM).

The Birth of Mr. Jorrocks:

• Surtees' most famous creation is Mr. Jorrocks, a boisterous, cockney grocer with an insatiable appetite for the hunt.
• Jorrocks first appeared in serialized stories within the NSM, later compiled into collections like "Jorrocks's Jaunts and Jollities."
• This character, though often viewed as vulgar, embodies a good-natured enthusiasm for the sport, providing a humorous lens into the world of fox hunting.

Beyond Mr. Jorrocks:

• Surtees penned several novels featuring Mr. Jorrocks, including the highly acclaimed "Handley Cross."
• However, he wasn't a one-trick pony. He wrote other novels like "Hillingdon Hall" that explored themes beyond hunting.
• Interestingly, Surtees wrote anonymously for much of his career, finding amusement in creating his work for his own pleasure.

A Legacy of Wit and Social Commentary:

• Surtees' writing is known for its sharp wit, colorful characters, and insightful social commentary.
• He satirized the social pretensions of the upper classes often involved in fox hunting.
• His work offers a window into 19th-century English society, particularly the world of rural gentry and sporting enthusiasts.