Samuel Laman Blanchard

Son of a painter and glazier. Educated at St. Olaf School, Southwark. At an early age he showed an interest in literature and wrote dramatic sketches in the newspaper Drama. For a time he worked for a traveling theater company, but then served as a proofreader in London and wrote articles for Monthly Magazine. In 1827 he was appointed secretary of the Zoological Society and held that post for three years. Excessive work undermined his strength and after the death of his wife in 1844 he became depressed and committed suicide.