Whyte-Melville, G. J. (George John), 1821-1878

George John Whyte-Melville was a successful soldier who became a popular novelist. He was educated at Eton, and spent ten years in the army, where he became captain of the famous Coldstream Guards. After retirement from the army he engaged in various literary pursuits, including a translation of Horace, and had great success writing novels. His works are known for the verve and detail of his hunting scenes and the depiction of the sporting scene in England; it is also believed his writing had a wholesome influence on the morals of the Victorian Era. He also wrote some historical fiction, and occasionally published poetry. An avid sportsman, he died after an accident on horseback.

From the description of G.J. Whyte-Melville letter to Mrs. Leslie, 1873 March 20. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 76756477