J. Ewing (James Ewing) Ritchie

James Ewing Ritchie was an English journalist and writer, born on May 1, 1820, in Wrentham, Suffolk. He was the son of the Reverend Andrew Ritchie, studied at Coward College and University College London, and then moved into journalism before building a long career as an author.

He wrote travel books, political biographies, and a notable run of books about Victorian London. Sources also connect him with the pseudonym Christopher Crayon, and with editorial work on periodicals including The Principality and The Illustrated News of the World. His writing is often remembered for its interest in social life, urban scenes, and the character of everyday Britain.

Ritchie died in 1898. Today he is chiefly of interest to readers of 19th-century nonfiction, especially anyone drawn to London history, Victorian journalism, and firsthand accounts of travel and public life.