Dictionary.net

An English humorist; born in London, April 29, 1816; died there, Feb. 23, 1874. He was the son of an architect, and forsook law for journalism. In 1853 he was sent on a mission to report on the condition of labor and the poor in Russia, Syria, and Egypt; the result of which appeared in "The Russians of the South" (1856). He wrote political articles, attracted attention by several dramas and burlesques, and in 1854 joined the staff of the London Punch. In 1870 he succeeded Mark Lemon as its editor. His novels- which include: "Aspen Court" (1855); "The Gordian Knot" (1860); "The Silver Cord" (1861); "Sooner or Later", with illustrations by Du Maurier (3 vols., 1866-68); "The Naggletons" (1875) show keen observation. He also wrote "Amusing Poetry" (1857). His son, Reginald Shirley, collected Brooks's "Wit and Humor from Punch" (1875).