G Barnett SmithGeorge Barnett Smith was an English author and journalist, born on 17 May 1841 in Ovenden, Yorkshire, to Titus and Mary Smith. He was educated at the British Lancastrian school in Halifax before moving to London to pursue a career in journalism. From1865 to 1868, Smith worked on the editorial staff of The Globe, then continued his work at The Echo until 1876. His contributions to major magazines like the Edinburgh Review and Fortnightly Review reflected his literary ambitions. Smith was also a key contributor to The Times. In 1889, due to health problems, particularly lung issues, he moved to Bournemouth, where he spent the remainder of his life as an invalid. Despite his declining health, Smith continued writing and was awarded a civil list pension by the Conservative government in 1891, which was later increased by the Liberal government in 1906. He passed away on 2 January 1909 and was buried in Bournemouth. Smith is best known for his biographies of famous figures, including Percy Bysshe Shelley, W. E. Gladstone, John Bright, Queen Victoria, and Victor Hugo. His two-volume History of the English Parliament (1892) was his most ambitious work. Read More Read Less