Thomas Frost (writer) facts for kids
Thomas Frost (born December 16, 1821 – died July 16, 1908) was an English writer, journalist, and printer. He was also a Chartist, which means he supported a movement that wanted more political rights for working people. Frost gave lectures and wrote many articles and books during his life.
About Thomas Frost
His Early Life
Thomas Frost was born in Croydon, England, on December 16, 1821. His father was a tailor who was interested in politics. His father even helped try to get the Reform Act 1832 passed, which was a law that gave more people the right to vote.
Thomas became a printer's apprentice, learning the printing trade. After his cousin's printing business failed, Thomas started his own printing company in Norwood, London.
His Career
In 1846, Thomas Frost began publishing a monthly paper called the Communist Chronicle. He made it a weekly paper and lowered its price so more people could read it. However, he and the editor had different ideas, so the paper stopped. Frost then started another short-lived paper called the Communist Journal. From 1847 to 1848, he worked with a group called the Fraternal Democrats.
Starting in 1859, Frost became a main writer for the Liverpool Albion newspaper. He wrote about international politics and social issues. The newspaper was independent until 1872, when a new owner changed its political views. Frost's pay changed, and many of his articles were not published because they didn't fit the new political ideas. Because his income dropped, he left the Albion.
Later, Frost moved to Barnsley, South Yorkshire. He worked as a reporter for the Barnsley Times and the Barnsley Chronicle. He also wrote several books. He said most of these books were "potboilers," meaning they were written quickly for money. He estimated he earned less than £200 a year from his writing. He passed away in 1908.
Frost became an active Chartist and an Owenite. Chartists wanted political rights for working people. Owenites followed the ideas of Robert Owen, who believed in creating a fairer society. Frost believed in big changes but avoided joining any secret revolutionary groups to stay out of trouble. He really wanted to be independent. He felt hopeful when Mr. Gladstone became the leader of the Liberal party, thinking it would bring a new start.
Writing About Magic
Frost wrote three books about the history of magic. His book Lives of the Conjurers (published in 1876) is seen as the first important history of magic. One expert, M. Thomas Inge, called it "a full-fledged chronicle of magic and an invaluable reference work."
The famous magician Harry Houdini said Frost's books were the "best books of their kind" at the time. However, Houdini also noted that they had some mistakes, suggesting Frost collected information rather than checking it deeply. For example, the book Lives of the Conjurers is said to have errors about the magician Wiljalba Frikell. Magic historian Walter B. Gibson mentioned that much of the information about Frikell from Frost was "incorrect and unreliable."
His Final Years
Thomas Frost died on July 16, 1908.
See also
- Sydney W. Clarke
- Henry R. Evans
