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Charles Reade

CHARLES READE, English dramatist and novelist, was born at Ipsden, Oxfordshire, on June 8, 1814.

Although it was his wish that the word "dramatist" should stand first in the description of his occupations, recorded on his tombstone, and in his aims as an author, was dramatist first and novelist afterward, ever having an eye for stage effect in scene and situation; yet it has been claimed that he was wrong in his own conception of his power as dramatist, and his plays were often failures, while his novels have endured the test of time. His first comedy, "The Ladies' Battle," appeared at the Olympic Theater in 1851; but his reputation as dramatist was made by the two-act comedy, "Masks and Faces," in which he collaborated with Tom Taylor. By the advice of the actress, Laura Symons, he turned it into a prose story, which appeared in 1853 as "Peg Woffington." A little later "Art" appeared, afterward known as "Nance Oldfield."

Reade was assured of a reputation as a novelist when he published "It's Never Too Late to Mend." This is a novel which he wrote for the purpose of reforming abuses in prison discipline, and the treatment of criminals. Five other novels followed in quick succession: "The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth," "Jack of All Trades," "The Autobiography of a Thief," "Love Me Little, Love Me Long," and "White Lies," dramatized as "The Double Marriage." Then appeared "The Cloister and the Hearth," relating the adventures of the father of Erasmus, a story of the fifteenth century. His next novel of note was "Hard Cash," a story of modern English life.

Reade produced three elaborate studies of character--"Griffith Gaunt," "A Terrible Temptation," and "A Simpleton." He introduced himself in "A Terrible Temptation" as Doctor Rolfe.

He was an amateur of the violin, and among his works is an essay on Cremona violins, which is entitled "A Lost Art Revived."

For some years Reade's health gradually failed. He died on the 11th of April, 1884, leaving behind him a complete novel, "A Perilous Secret," which showed no falling off in the art of weaving a complicated plot and devising thrilling situations.