Author. Born into an aristocratic British family, he graduated from Cambridge in 1830, then emigrated to the United States in 1831. Along with A. D. Patterson he created the "American Monthly Magazine" in 1833. He wrote more than 40 popular books on history, historical fiction, outdoorsmanship and, under the pen name "Frank Forester", sports; he is credited with creating the sports fiction genre. Examples of his works include "Tales of the Spanish Seas" (1847), "The Deerstalkers" (1849), and "The Knights of England, France and Scotland" (1852). Herbert introduced to the United States the concept of hunting for sport, beyond the need for sustenance, in such works as "Field Sports of the United States, and British Provinces, of North America" (1849). His well-documented temper, elitism stemming from his heritage, and failed suicide attempts distanced many of his friends. He was married twice; his second marriage, in 1858, lasted only three months. In despondency, he invited his literary friends to a dinner party and when only one came, he took his own life. He left a request that his body be interred at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, only yards from his Newark, New Jersey cottage, "The Cedars." He wanted only the word "Infelicissimus," Latin for "wretched," to mark his grave. His death was covered on the front page of "The New York Times."
Author. Born into an aristocratic British family, he graduated from Cambridge in 1830, then emigrated to the United States in 1831. Along with A. D. Patterson he created the "American Monthly Magazine" in 1833. He wrote more than 40 popular books on history, historical fiction, outdoorsmanship and, under the pen name "Frank Forester", sports; he is credited with creating the sports fiction genre. Examples of his works include "Tales of the Spanish Seas" (1847), "The Deerstalkers" (1849), and "The Knights of England, France and Scotland" (1852). Herbert introduced to the United States the concept of hunting for sport, beyond the need for sustenance, in such works as "Field Sports of the United States, and British Provinces, of North America" (1849). His well-documented temper, elitism stemming from his heritage, and failed suicide attempts distanced many of his friends. He was married twice; his second marriage, in 1858, lasted only three months. In despondency, he invited his literary friends to a dinner party and when only one came, he took his own life. He left a request that his body be interred at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, only yards from his Newark, New Jersey cottage, "The Cedars." He wanted only the word "Infelicissimus," Latin for "wretched," to mark his grave. His death was covered on the front page of "The New York Times."
Bio by: seekerJay
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