James L. (James Lauren) Ford

Born in St. Louis on July 25, 1854, James Lauren Ford became an American journalist, humorist, and author whose career was closely tied to New York literary culture. He is especially remembered for his long work as a literary critic for the New York Herald, where he wrote about books and the world around them with a lively, amused intelligence.

Ford wrote short stories, essays, memoir, and other nonfiction, and his books include The Literary Shop, and Other Tales, The Third Alarm, and Forty-Odd Years in the Literary Shop. Much of his writing draws on his experience in publishing and journalism, which gives it an insider's feel while still being accessible and entertaining.

He died on February 26, 1928. Today, he remains of interest to readers who enjoy literary sketches, period journalism, and a window into the social and publishing life of his era.