Robert Smith Surtees (1805-1864) was a British novelist best known for his humorous and satirical works. Born in Durham, England, Surtees came from a wealthy family and spent much of his early life enjoying country activities such as Fox Hunting, which would later strongly influence his writings. He began his career as a journalist and editor, but it was his vivid descriptions of English rural life and his creation of eccentric and memorable characters that earned him a place among the great comic novelists of his time. Surtees’ most famous works include “Handley Cross” and “Jorrocks’s Jaunts and Jollities”, both of which depict the adventures of the larger-than-life character Mr. Jorrocks. Through his novels, Surtees gained popularity for his ability to capture the spirit of the British countryside and for his biting social commentary. Despite financial difficulties and eventual blindness, Surtees continued to write until his death in 1864.