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Hood (THOMAS an English poet)

THOMAS, an English poet and humorist; born in London in 1798.

During a residence at Dundee, and while only 15 or 16 years of age, he wrote for periodicals. In 1821 he became subeditor of the "London Magazine," and in 1826 appeared his "Whims and Oddities," which was followed by "National Tales" and a volume of serious poetry. From 1829 to 1837 he conducted his "Comic Annual." He published "The Epping Hunt," "The Dream of Eugene Aram" and "Tylney Hall," a novel. In 1837, he commenced a monthly periodical en titled "Hood's Own." His health now began to fail, and he visited the Continent for rest. In 1839 he published his "Up the Rhine," which was very popular. He undertook the editorship of the "New Monthly Magazine," and continued it till 1843. His last periodical, entitled "Hood's Magazine," was commenced in 1844. It was during his last illness that he contributed to "Punch" "The Song of a Shirt," "The Bridge of Sighs," and "The Lay of a Laborer." The pension of $500 conferred upon him on his last illness by Sir Robert Peel was transferred to his wife. He died in 1845.