Dagonet Abroad

Sims (1847-1922) was an English journalist, poet, dramatist, novelist and bon vivant. He began his writing career contributing humorous and satirical pieces to Fun magazine and The Referee, writing a weekly column for the latter under the pseudonym Dagonet until his death. However, he soon turned his attention to social reform, particularly the plight of the poor in Londons slums, becoming a prolific journalist and also the author of several novels. In addition, he was a successful dramatist, writing numerous plays, often in collaboration, several of which had long runs and international success. He bred bulldogs, was an avid sportsman and had a large circle of artistic and literary friends. Although he earned a considerable fortune from his writing, he had gambled most of it away by the time of his death. He is best remembered for his dramatic monologue It is Christmas Day in the Workhouse published in The Dagonet Ballads (1879), and he also wrote amusing and popular travelogues as Dagonet. This collection of pieces recording a tour of Europe was first published in 1895.