Walter Copeland Jerrold (1865 – 1929) was an English writer, biographer and newspaper editor.[1]
Jerrold was born in Liverpool, the son of Thomas Jerrold and Jane Copeland (who were first cousins), and one of 11 children.[2] His family had strong theatrical connections: Both his grandfather Douglas William Jerrold and uncle William Blanchard Jerrold were notable dramatists, and his great grandfather Samuel Jerrold was an actor and theater manager.[3]
Jerrold spent most of his life in London, starting work as a clerk in a newspaper counting-house, and going on to become deputy editor of The Observer. He edited many classic texts for the newly founded Everyman's Library, wrote biographies, travel books (for the "Beautiful England" series - published by Blackie and Son Limited),[4] edited children's books, and produced stories for children under the name of Walter Copeland.
In 1895 he married Clara Armstrong Bridgeman; they went on to have five daughters (the first-born son died in infancy). One of his daughters, Ianthe Jerrold (1898 – 1977), went on to become a writer of fiction. [5][6]