John Hollingshead (1827-1904)

John Hollingshead was a journalist and author who also became a theatre manager and producer. He began his career working for Charles Dickens at 'Household Words' magazine in 1854. He contributed to 'Punch' magazine for many years and wrote several books. In the 1860s he became manager of the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square and The Gaiety Theatre on the Aldwych. He returned to writing in the 1880s, mainly about the theatre. His autobiography 'My Lifetime' was published by Sampson Low, Marston & Co. in 1895. 

"I propose to call it 'All Night upon the Monument: a

City Book' (a good title, I think)"

In an interesting letter to Sampson Low & Co. written in July 1859, John Hollingshead discusses an upcoming book about the London poor which he proposes to call 'All Night upon the Monument: a City Book'. He explains that the piece was written after he spent 17 hours on the Monument (built to commemorate the Great Fire of London), observing the city below. The writing for the book was originally featured in Charles Dickens' 'Household Words' magazine. 'All Night upon the Monument' was eventually included in a collection of essays written by Hollingshead titled 'Under Bow Bells: a City Book for all Readers' published in 1860 by Groombridge & Sons. 

View John Hollingshead's letter [opens in a new window]

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