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Novelist and playwright. Born Jerome Clapp Jerome at Bradford Street, Walsall, Staffordshire. He supposedly changed his middle name to Klapka in homage to General George Klapka, a hero of the Hungarian War of Independence. After trying various occupations, including acting and teaching, he was inspired to write 'Three Men in a Boat' following his honeymoon on the River Thames. It became a worldwide success. which was never repeated in his subsequent plays and novels. Died in Northampton General Hospital.