Hook, Theodore Edward (1788-1841)

English dramatist and novelist. The son of the composer James Hook (1746-1827), he himself composed several successful comic operas. He was the editor of John Bull, a journal of high Tory and aristocratic sympathies, and the New Monthly Magazine, and he also published fiction, including Maxwell 1830, Gilbert Gurney 1836, and Jack Brag 1837.

He was born in London and educated at Harrow and Oxford. As a boy he wrote words for his father's music. Hook was noted for his witty conversation and practical jokes, which earned him the friendship of the Prince Regent, who in 1812 had him appointed accountant general of Mauritius. Five years later serious irregularities were discovered; he was prosecuted by the government for a claim of £12,000, and imprisoned. It subsequently appeared that a subordinate had been responsible and that Hook was only chargeable with gross neglect. Though released, the claim against him was not withdrawn.