Henry Mayhew (1812-1887)

Henry Mayhew was a journalist, playwright and social reformer who co-founded Punch magazine in 1841. He contributed to the 'Illustrated London News' and wrote a series of detailed articles about the state of the working poor in London for the 'Morning Chronicle' newspaper. These articles, which featured comprehensive interviews with working people, were eventually published in three volumes in 1851 titled 'London Labour and the London Poor'. As a young man he befriended William Makepeace Thackeray when the pair resided in Paris.  

"I am engaged upon a book after the style of 'The

Peasant Boy Philosopher' …& founded on the early

life of Benjamin Franklin"

In a letter dated 3rd March 1859, Mayhew writes to inform the recipient (probably Sampson Low), in quite some detail, about his forthcoming book 'Young Benjamin Franklin'. Mayhew offers terms for publishing the book and suggests £100 initially for proofs of the work. 

The book, illustrated by John Gilbert and, according to Mayhew, aimed at an audience of young boys, was eventually published in 1861 by Griffin, Bohn & Co. and in 1862 by Harper & Bros, New York. Its full title was 'Young Benjamin Franklin: or, the right road through life: a boy's book on a boy's own subject'. Sampson Low acted as the British literary agent and bookseller for American publishers Harper & Bros. 

View Henry Mayhew's letter [opens in a new window]

Image Rights: Hulton Archive / Stringer / Getty Images