Gelett Burgess

Date of Birth: January 30, 1866

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: September 18, 1951

Biography

Frank Gelett Burgess was an American artist, art critic, poet, author, and humorist. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Burgess is perhaps best known for his humorous and nonsense works, including his famous poem “The Purple Cow.” He was a significant figure in the San Francisco Bay Area literary scene during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Burgess attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a degree in engineering. He later moved to San Francisco to work as a draftsman for the Southern Pacific Railroad, but his true passion lay in writing and illustrating. He became a key contributor to the literary culture of the time, founding the humor magazine “The Lark” in 1895, which published many of his works. Besides his humorous poetry, Burgess also wrote several novels, essays, and children’s books. His unique blend of wit and whimsy left a lasting impact on American literature and humor.

5 Interesting Facts about Gelett Burgess

1. Gelett Burgess coined the term “blurb,” which refers to a short promotional piece accompanying a creative work.

2. He was a member of the Bohemian Club, a private men’s club in San Francisco.

3. Burgess’s poem “The Purple Cow” became so popular that he later wrote a follow-up poem expressing his frustration at its enduring fame.

4. He was an advocate for simplified spelling and even published a book titled “Goops and How to Be Them,” which humorously taught children proper manners.

5. Burgess was a mentor to writer and humorist Will Cuppy, who later became famous for his satirical works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gelett Burgess

1. “I never saw a purple cow; I never hope to see one; But I can tell you, anyhow, I’d rather see than be one.”

2. “If in the last few years you haven’t discarded a major opinion or acquired a new one, check your pulse. You may be dead.”

3. “Love is only the game that is not called on account of darkness.”

4. “To appreciate nonsense requires a serious interest in life.”

5. “A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gelett Burgess’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to literature and humor were significant during his lifetime.