London shoemaker and writer

I am a man. I was born in London, in the year 1812. My parents were honest, though poor people, and I received the rudiments of education in a charity school. At the age of fifteen I was bound apprentice to a shoemaker, and served out my time faithfully. When my term was expired, I came up to London, and worked as a journeyman, for some years; but, having a passion for letters, I applied myself to reading in the evenings, and thereby acquired knowledge. In the year 1836, I published my first book, which was well received; and I have since continued to write for the press, till I have produced above a hundred volumes. I live a life of industry and comfort, and have no reason to complain of the treatment