JAMES, GEORGE PAYNE RAINS FORD (1801-1860)

—Novelist and historical writer, s. of a physician in London, was for many years British Consul at various places in the United States and on the Continent. At an early age he began to write romances, and continued his production with such industry that his works reach to 100 vols. This exce ive rapidity was fatal to his permanent reputation; but his books had considerable immediate popularity. Among them are Richelieu (1829), Philip August us (1831), The Man at Arms (1840), The Huguenot (1838), The Robber , Henry of Guise (1839), Agin court (1844), The King's Highway (1840). In addition to his novels he wrote Memoirs of Great Commanders , a Life of the Black Prince , and other historical and biographical works. He held the honorary office of Historiographer Royal.