Thomas Bulfinch

Date of Birth: July 15, 1796

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: May 27, 1867

Biography

Thomas Bulfinch was an American writer born on July 15, 1796, in Newton, Massachusetts. He is best known for his work “Bulfinch’s Mythology,” which is a collection of Greek, Roman, and medieval myths and legends. Bulfinch’s goal was to make these ancient stories accessible to the general public and to provide a comprehensive retelling that could be appreciated by both young and adult readers. His work remains a significant contribution to the field of classical literature and mythology. Bulfinch was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University. Following his education, he worked in various roles, including as a clerk at the Boston Merchants’ Bank. His literary contributions have had a lasting impact on the study and popular understanding of mythological stories.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas Bulfinch

1. Thomas Bulfinch was part of a prominent Boston family; his father, Charles Bulfinch, was a renowned architect who designed the Massachusetts State House.

2. Bulfinch’s “The Age of Fable,” part of “Bulfinch’s Mythology,” was first published in 1855 and remains in print today.

3. He was a contemporary of other literary figures such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

4. Despite Bulfinch’s significant contributions to literature, he lived a relatively modest life and worked as a bank clerk throughout his career.

5. His works have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be a resource for students and enthusiasts of mythology around the world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas Bulfinch

1. “The object of this work is to teach mythology not as a study, but as a relaxation from study; to give our work the charm of a story-book, yet to impart such a knowledge of the classical fables as to make the reading of the ancient authors easy and agreeable.”

2. “Without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated.”

3. “We trust our young readers will find in our pages an agreeable guide to a knowledge of the fables of antiquity.”

4. “It is an advantage to young people to be early familiarized with the classic myths, because the allusions to them are so frequent in literature.”

5. “Mythology is the handmaid of literature; and literature is one of the best allies of virtue and promoters of happiness.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Thomas Bulfinch did not achieve significant wealth from his literary works. His highest net worth was modest, as he maintained employment as a bank clerk throughout his life.