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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Charles Frederick Higginson

Author: Charles Frederick Higginson (1843–1936)

Alternate Name(s): H. Frederick Charles (pseudonym)

Biography: Charles Frederick Higginson was born on 29 May 1843 in Dublin. He trained as an accountant and moved to London to work in banking. A religious man, he was an ardent supporter of the British and Foreign Bible Society and a local boys' home. Seemingly, he found time to write fiction for young adults. His first book, Agnes Fairfield (1873), was published under his legal name. Thereafter he published anonymously or under the pseudonym "H. Frederick Charles" (a permutation of his name). He married and had several children, the couple living long enough to celebrate their diamond anniversary. Higginson died in September 1936 in London. Note: none of his obituaries note his authorship, but it seems likely he is the author of these novels.

Author Tags:

References: British Census (1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911); Hampstead News (1 October 1936)

Fiction Titles:

  1. Agnes Fairfield: or, The Triumph of Faith.  1 vol.  London: Partridge, 1873.
  2. School-Boy Courage and Its Reward.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1874.
  3. The Old Brown Book and its Secret.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1875.
  4. Ned Heathcote's Model Engine.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1876.
  5. Osgood's Rebellion, and What Came of It: or, Days at Westbrook College.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1877.
  6. Leslie's Scholarship: or, The Secret of Success.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1877.
  7. The Boys of Highfield: or, The Hero of Chancery House.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1878.
  8. Holidays at Newhall.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1880.
  9. Under Fire: Being the Story of a Boy's Battles against Himself and Other Enemies.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1883.
  10. The Doctor's Experiment: The Adventures and Experiences of One of Dr. Reade's Pupils as Narrated by Himself.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1884.
  11. Jack: or, The Story of a Pocket-Book.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1884.
  12. Young Sir Richard.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1886.
  13. Gentleman Jackson: An Outline.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1889.