Reade, Charles, 1814-1884

Charles Reade was born in Oxfordshire, and educated at Magdalen College, Oxford; he became a fellow of the college, studied law, and earned a Doctor of Civil Laws degree, although he never practiced law. He wrote numerous plays, often in collaboration with other dramatists, including translations of continentral drama (sometimes without permission). His most successful play was Masks and Faces which, on the advice of actress Laura Seymour, he turned into a novel. He was eventually more successful writing novels than plays. His best-known work is probably the historical novel, The Cloister and the Hearth.

From the description of Charles Reade letters and manuscript page, circa 1882. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 70901312

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