Angus Reach facts for kids

Angus Bethune Reach (born 23 January 1821 – died 15 November 1856) was a British writer from the 1800s. He was known for his newspaper articles and his stories. He was friends with famous writers like William Makepeace Thackeray and Edmund Yates. His best friend was another journalist and writer named Shirley Brooks.

Angus Reach's Journalism Career

Angus Reach was born in Inverness, Scotland. His father, Roderick Reach, was a lawyer. Angus went to school at Inverness Royal Academy. Even when he was young, he started writing articles for a local newspaper called the Inverness Courier.

After studying for a short time at Edinburgh University, he moved to London in 1841. There, he got a job as a reporter for the Morning Chronicle newspaper. At first, Angus reported on events at the Old Bailey (a famous court) and later at the House of Commons (where laws are made).

He became well-known for a series of articles where he investigated the tough living conditions of poor people in England's factory towns. Later, he became the newspaper's arts critic, writing about plays, books, and art for over ten years.

Other Newspaper Work

Besides his work for the Chronicle, Angus Reach wrote a gossip column called Town and Table Talk for the Illustrated London News. He also sent news from London back to the Inverness Courier.

Later, he joined the team at the famous funny magazine Punch. He had also written for two other similar magazines before this. Angus became known for his humor, especially for his funny writings like The Comic Bradshaw and The Natural History of Humbugs.

Angus Reach's Other Writings

Angus Reach also wrote a novel. It was first published in monthly parts in 1848–1849. It was called Clement Lorimer, or, The Book with the Iron Clasps. Later, it was put into one book and then republished in two parts as Leonard Lindsay, or, The Story of a Buccaneer. This story was a crime thriller set in the world of horseracing. People have said it was like an early version of the exciting "pulp" stories.

He also wrote travel books. One of these was Claret and Olives. This book was about his trip through France. It was first published in parts in the Chronicle newspaper.

Angus Reach's Personal Life

Angus Reach was married, and his wife survived him after he passed away.

His friends often told funny stories about him. One story was about how he was colourblind but didn't know it until he was an adult. The story goes that he was having dinner with his friend, an eye doctor named Jabez Hogg. Angus asked a waiter for ink to finish a letter. The ink was brought in a wineglass. Angus was distracted and couldn't tell the difference between the ink and his glass of red wine because of his colorblindness. His friend had to stop him from drinking the ink!

Another story was told by his friend Thackeray about how to say Angus's name. When they first met, Thackeray said Reach's name to rhyme with "beach." Angus told him that the correct way to say it was "REE-ack," with two syllables. Thackeray said sorry for his mistake. But later, when offering Angus dessert from a bowl of peaches, he jokingly asked, "Mr Re-ak, will you take a pe-ak?"

Angus Reach's Illness and Death

In 1854, Angus Reach became very ill. Modern doctors believe it might have been a serious brain bleed. This illness meant Angus could no longer work and earn money for his wife.

His friends, led by the writer Albert Richard Smith, decided to help. They organized a special show at the Olympia Theatre in London to raise money for Angus's family. The show included many works that Angus himself had written or translated. All the tickets were sold out, and famous people like Charles Dickens were in the audience. A second show was held at the Drury Lane Theatre, and even Queen Victoria and Prince Albert attended!

For another year, his friend Shirley Brooks took over Angus's writing duties for the Chronicle. Shirley wrote the columns and gave the money he earned to Angus's wife. Sadly, Angus never got better and passed away in November 1856.

People at the time thought Angus's illness was caused by working too much. Later writers have also suggested that other health issues might have played a part in his declining health.

Angus Reach was buried in Norwood. After he died, his friend Thackeray helped to set up a monument to remember him.