A Resourceful Rogue

Who was Joachim Hayward Stocqueler? This overdue biography, set against the changing background of the nineteenth century, explores the colourful life he led in England, India and North America. Stocqueler’s story holds the attention by bringing out the good and bad sides of a remarkable character who until now had been largely forgotten. Stocqueler was an intelligent and charismatic man: a clever newspaper editor, an intrepid traveller, an engaging lecturer, a military observer, and a prolific and successful writer on a wide range of subjects. But he was financially inept, often ran away from his debts, and was imprisoned for insolvency. Nonetheless there would always be some new project underway, even though he could not afford it! Stocqueler’s relationships with women were unconventional and included a bigamous marriage. Later in his life Stocqueler used the pseudonym of J H Siddons to hide his identity, claiming descent from the famous actress, Sarah Siddons. Lies and exaggerations increased. Even so, his resourceful energy must be admired and he gave undoubted pleasure to many who attended his entertainments or read his books and articles. This readable account at last tells the story of an unusual man who, if he lived today, would often be in the headlines.