James Robinson Planche, an English author, born in London, Feb. 27, 1796. In 1818 he produced successfully at Drury Lane theatre a burlesque entitled "Amoroso, King of Little Britain." In 1826 he travelled on the continent, publishing on his return "Lays and Legends of the Rhine" and in 1827 "Descent of the Danube." In 1828 he produced at Drury Lane his 55th and perhaps his best dramatic work, " Charles XII." He has produced more than 200 pieces for the stage, some of them being translated from the French. In 1830 he was elected a member of the society of antiquaries. In March, 1854, he was appointed rouge croix pursuivant of arms, and in 1866 Somerset herald, which office he still holds (1875). He has also published " History of British Costume " (1834); " Regal Records " (1838); " The Pursuivant of Arms, or Heraldry founded upon Truth" (1852); "King Nut-Cracker, a Fairy Tale " (1853); " Popular Fairy Tales Illustrated" (1857); "A Corner of Kent, the Parish of Ash-next-Sandwich" (1864); " Recollections and Reflections: a Professional Autobiography" (1872); "William with the Ring: a Romance in Rhyme " (1872); " The Conqueror and His Companions " (2 vols., 1874).