Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Collins, Charles James

by Thompson Cooper

COLLINS, CHARLES JAMES (1820–1864), journalist and novelist, was connected with the London press for more than twenty years, having been on the parliamentary staff of the 'Sun,' 'Daily Telegraph,' and 'Standard.' He projected and edited the 'Racing Times,' and at one period was editor of the 'Comic News.' He died at Brixton on 31 Dec. 1864.

He was author of 'Kenilworth,' a burlesque, and other dramas of a similar character, and of the following novels:

1. 'The Life and Adventures of Dick Diminy,' London [1854] 12mo, reprinted under the title of 'Dick Diminy, or the Life and Adventures of a Jockey,' London, 1855 [1875], 8vo.
2. 'Sackville Chase,' 3 vols. London, 1863 and 1865, 8vo.
3. 'Matilda the Dane, a Romance of the Affections,' London, 1863, 8vo.
4. 'Singed Moths, a City romance,' 3 vols. London, 1864, 8vo.
5. 'The Man in Chains,' 3 vols. London v 1864, 8vo.

[Times, 3 Jan. 1865; Gent. Mag. ccxviii. 258; Cat. of Printed Books in Brit. Mus.]

T. C.