Humorist, miscellaneous writer; son of Thomas Hood the poet. Studied for a time at University College, London, then at Pembroke College, Oxford, with intent of entering the church; abandoned the idea, did not take degree. Early began contributing verse and prose to periodicals. From about 1856 to 1860 lived in Cornwall (his H.W. article deals with Cornish fishing and fishermen) ; there edited a newspaper for about two years. Clerk in War Office, 1860-1865. Editor of Fun, 1865 until his death; wrote much for the periodical; also drew and engraved many of illustrations. In 1867 first issued Tom Hood's Comic Annual. Wrote book on versification; several novels; also books for children, some alone, others jointly with his sister, Frances Broderip; illustrated some of her stories. Collaborated with her on Memorials of Thomas Hood, 1860, and on two editions of Hood's Works; wrote preface to two collections of Hood's poems. Dickens had known Tom Hood and his sister from their childhood.

Author: Anne Lohrli; © University of Toronto Press, 1971.

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography