Oxenford
JOHN, an English dra- 1812, and was originally matist and critic; born in Camberwell, England, in 1812, edu educated for the bar, but early turned to a life of letters, made himself familiar with French, German, and Spanish literature and translated Goethe's "Autobiography," and Eckermann's "Conversations with Goethe." For his last 30 years he was dramatic critic for the "Times." His "Illustrated Book of French Songs" (1855) showed a dexterous mastery of the lighter forms of verse. He wrote many plays, among them the "Dice of Death," the "Reigning Favorite," the "Two Orphans," as well as the libretto for "The Lily of Killarney," and one farce at least, "Twice Killed," that became widely popular.
He died in London, Feb. 21, 1877.