Brooks, Charles William Shirley

1816

1874

Brooks was born in London on 29 April 1816, the son of the architect William Brooks (d. 1867). Though he passed the Incorporated Law Society’s examination in 1838, he seems not to have become a solicitor but turned to writing. He wrote numerous articles for leading periodicals and was a regular contributor to “Punch” from 1851 to his death, often under the name ‘Epicurus Rotundus.’ He was editor of that magazine from 1870. His best-known series of articles was ‘The Essence of Parliament.’ Several of his plays were produced in London, including “The Creole” at the Lyceum in 1847 and “Daughter of the Stars” at the New Strand in 1850. He became a member of the Garrick Club in January 1850. Brooks died at No. 6, Kent Terrace, Regent’s Park, on 23 February 1874 and was buried at Norwood Green. (DNB)