J. A. (John Alexander) Hammerton

J. A. (John Alexander) Hammerton
Sir John Alexander Hammerton (1871–1949) was a British author and editor known for his extensive contributions to popular reference works. He is best remembered for editing the multi-volume "Harmsworth's Universal Encyclopaedia" and the influential "The Great War: The Standard History of the All-Europe Conflict," a detailed account of World War I. Hammerton was also a prolific writer, penning biographies and historical works, including "The Masterpiece Library of Short Stories." His work had a significant impact on early 20th-century publishing, making knowledge more accessible to the general public.

Author's Books:


In the order of our Library "Mr. Punch with the Children" comes last, yet, so continual and sincere has been the interest of the breezy little man in the children, we might well have placed this volume first. The Punch pictures, stories and jests that are concerned with the young folk are almost inexhaustible. The present collection, though containing the cream of them, comes very far indeed... more...

POST-PRANDIAL WIT There is a sense, of course, in which everything from the pages of Mr. Punch might be regarded as coming into a collection entitled "After Dinner Stories." All good stories are really for telling after dinner. Somehow or other one seldom associates wit and humour with the breakfast table, although the celebrated breakfast parties of Rogers, the banker, were doubtless in no way... more...

ON RUSTIC HUMOUR Than the compilation of such a series of books as that which includes the present volume there could surely be no more engaging occupation for one who delights to look on the humorous side of life. The editor feels that if his readers derive as much enjoyment from the result of his labours as these labours have afforded him he may reasonably congratulate them! He has found himself many... more...