Gelett Burgess

Date of Birth: January 30, 1866

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: September 18, 1951

Biography

Frank Gelett Burgess, born on January 30, 1866, in Boston, Massachusetts, was an American artist, art critic, poet, author, and humorist. He is best known for his creation of the Goops, a series of rhymed moral instructions for children, and for his popularization of the term “blurb”. Educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Burgess initially pursued a career in engineering, but his passion for art and literature led him to become a significant figure in the world of American humor and satire. Burgess’s career took a significant turn when he moved to San Francisco, where he worked as an editor for “The Wave” and later co-founded “The Lark”, a literary magazine that featured his whimsical and humorous writings. His most famous poem, “The Purple Cow”, was published in “The Lark” in 1895 and became an instant classic. Beyond his writings, Burgess was also an accomplished illustrator and painter. His contributions to both visual and literary arts left a lasting impact, influencing future generations of artists and writers. Burgess passed away on September 18, 1951, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

5 Interesting Facts about Gelett Burgess

1. Gelett Burgess coined the term “blurb” in 1907, which is now commonly used to describe a short promotional piece on a book’s dust jacket.

2. His poem “The Purple Cow” became so famous that it overshadowed much of his other work, leading Burgess to eventually express frustration over its enduring popularity.

3. Burgess was deeply involved in the San Francisco literary scene and helped shape the city’s cultural landscape at the turn of the 20th century.

4. He wrote and illustrated a series of children’s books featuring the Goops, cartoon characters known for their misbehavior and humorous antics.

5. In addition to his literary pursuits, Burgess was a talented cartoonist and painter, with some of his works being displayed in prominent art exhibitions.

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. “Without bigots, eccentrics, cranks, and heretics, the world would not progress.”

5. “The greatest mistake you can make in life is continually fearing that you’ll make one.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no specific information available about Gelett Burgess’s highest net worth. However, his contributions to literature and art were highly influential and he enjoyed a successful career in his lifetime.