James Smith
James Smith, born on February 10, 1775, was a British lawyer and writer known for his sharp wit and literary contributions. He was educated at home before attending various schools, ultimately working as a clerk for his solicitor father. Alongside his brother Horatio, Smith engaged in literary pursuits, contributing to journals in the early 1800s. Their collaborative work culminated in the celebrated parody collection "Rejected Addresses: Or, The New Theatrum Poetarum," published in 1812, which humorously imitated the styles of prominent poets and enjoyed remarkable success, with several editions released within the same year. While this work remains his most notable achievement, Smith continued to practice law and occasionally wrote light verse and comedies. He was known for his lively conversation and social presence, though he never married and faced health challenges, particularly gout. James Smith passed away on December 24, 1839, and is buried in St. Martin's Church in London, leaving behind a legacy marked by his influential parody.
On this Page
Subject Terms
James Smith
Parodist
- Born: February 10, 1775
- Died: December 24, 1839
Biography
James Smith was born on February 10, 1775, to Mary Bogle Smith and James Smith. He was the older brother of Horatio (Horace) Smith, born in 1779. The brothers were first educated at home by their parents and were later sent to Chigwell School in Essex. In 1789, Smith began attending New College, a nonconformist school. He next went to Alfred House Academy before attending a commercial academy in London. In 1791, Smith starting working for his solicitor father as a clerk. He was admitted to the bench in 1789.
Smith and his brother were both interested in literary pursuits as well as the law. They began contributing to journals around 1800 and sustained their journalistic endeavors for some ten years. This experience brought them into direct contact with drama and the theater. In 1812, the managers of Drury Lane Theatre held a competition asking writers to submit a poem to be read on the opening night of their new theater. Instead of entering the contest, the brothers wrote a number of parodic addresses written in the style of famous poets. The collection was eventually published as Rejected Addresses: Or, The New Theatrum Poetarum It was an instant success; even the poets who were parodied found it funny and skillful. Among these were Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, and Sir Walter Scott, who all accept the parody with good humor. The volume went through five editions in 1812 alone; it was still appearing in new additions through 1929, having been reprinted nearly fifty times.
Most critics agree that this volume is one of the best examples of parody ever produced. James Smith was the author of the best of the parodies in Rejected Addresses. He recognized that he could never duplicate this success again, and so chose to retire from literary work. He did produce a few comedies and some light verse, but never again attempted anything of the scope of Rejected Addresses Throughout the rest of his life, he practiced law and was a popular guest at many contemporary drawing rooms. He was noted for his witty repartee and lively conversation.
Unlike his brother, Smith never married. For most of his life, he suffered from gout. On December 24, 1839, he died and was buried in St. Martin’s Church in London. Although Smith’s literary output was small, his contributions to Rejected Addresses assures him a place in the history of British literature.