Albert Smith, an English author, born at Chertsey, May 24, 1816, died at Fulham, near London, May 23, 1860. He was educated for the surgical profession in London and Paris, and joined his father in practice at Chertsey, but soon became a writer for the periodical press. Settling in London in 1841, he became a contributor to "Bentley's Miscellany," and within a few years produced " The Wassail Bowl," "The Adventures of Mr. Ledbury," "The Scattergood Family," "The Marchioness of Brinvilliers," " Christopher Tadpole," and "The Pottleton Legacy." He was also engaged for some time upon "Punch," his contributions to which included " The Physiology of Evening Parties," " The Medical Student," and other light varieties; and in'1847 -'9 he produced a number of amusing trifles entitled " The Natural History of the Gent," "The Natural History of the Ballet Girl," "Stuck-up People," and "The Flirt" He also wrote Christmas adaptations from the tales of Dickens, burlesques, and other stage pieces, and was the dramatic critic of the "Illustrated London News." A journey to Constantinople in 1849 furnished him with materials for his " Month at Constantinople " (1850), and also for the public entertainment called the "Overland Mail," first brought out in May, 1850. In August, 1851, he made the ascent of Mont Blanc, and his " entertainment" founded thereon proved his most successful venture, being constantly repeated till 1858. He then visited China, and after his return gave a Chinese entertainment, which in the spring of 1860 was replaced by the more popular story of Mont Blanc. This he repeated until within two days of his death.

His entertainments were published under the titles " Story of Mont Blanc" (1853), and "To China and Back" (1859); and since his death his brother, Arthur Smith, has published from his sketches "Wild Oats and Dead Leaves" (1860), and "Paris and London " (1867).