James Rice (1843–1882) was an English novelist, lawyer, and journal editor of the Victorian era. Born in Northampton, Rice received his formal education at Cambridge University. Following his university studies, he turned his attention to the legal profession, studying law and eventually becoming a barrister of Lincoln's Inn in 1871. Despite his legal qualifications, Rice's primary interests lay in the world of literature and publishing.
In 1868, Rice took a significant step into the publishing industry by purchasing the weekly journal Once a Week. Although the publication was financially unsuccessful and resulted in losses, it served as the catalyst for his literary career. Through his work with the journal, Rice became acquainted with the writer Walter Besant. This introduction marked the beginning of a highly fruitful and celebrated creative partnership.
Working closely together, Rice and Besant co-authored a series of successful novels that found a wide readership during the late nineteenth century. Their collaborative writing process was highly integrated, and they continued to produce popular fiction together until Rice's life was cut short. Rice died in Redhill in 1882, which brought an abrupt end to their successful joint career.
