WH Smith (the son of WH Smith and son) became a successful conservative politician. In passing, Wikipedia informs us that WH Smith's commercial success began with the start of mass railway travel in the 1840s, and that the stations were packed with people waiting for trains. So, WH Smith (the father) set up railway shops to sell them things to read. I note that Paddington station still has a WH Smith and son but, from memory, now also sports at least 10 outlets for buying food and drink, so that passengers can graze while they are waiting for trains. And we wonder why we have a growing problem with obesity. Just an observation. Back to WH Smith (son). His appointment as First Lord of the Admiralty was mercilessly parodied by WS Gilbert in HMS Pinafore. When asked later why he had created this character, he said that: …