Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Date of Birth: November 11, 1836

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 19, 1907

Biography

Thomas Bailey Aldrich was an American poet, novelist, travel writer, and editor. Born on November 11, 1836, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Aldrich spent much of his early life in New Orleans before moving to New York City at the age of sixteen. It was in New York that he began his literary career, initially working as a clerk while writing poetry and short stories in his spare time. Aldrich’s first collection of poems, “The Bells,” was published in 1855, and he quickly became a notable figure in American literature. His most famous work, “The Story of a Bad Boy” published in 1870, is considered a precursor to Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Aldrich’s writings often reflected his own youthful experiences and were characterized by their wit and vivid descriptions. In addition to his literary achievements, Aldrich served as the editor of several prominent publications, including “The Atlantic Monthly.” He was known for his meticulous editorial standards and his ability to recognize and nurture new literary talent. Aldrich married Lilian Woodman in 1865, and the couple had two sons. He continued to write and publish until his death on March 19, 1907, in Boston, Massachusetts.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas Bailey Aldrich

1. Thomas Bailey Aldrich was a close friend of Mark Twain and other prominent writers of his time.

2. His novel “The Story of a Bad Boy” is considered semi-autobiographical and helped establish the genre of realistic boys’ adventure stories.

3. Aldrich edited “The Atlantic Monthly” from 1881 to 1890, a period during which the magazine gained significant influence.

4. He was a member of the literary group known as the “Saturday Club,” which included Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

5. Aldrich’s home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is now a museum and part of the Strawbery Banke Museum complex.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas Bailey Aldrich

1. “Gracious to all, to none subservient, without offense he spoke the word he meant.”

2. “A man is known by the company his mind keeps.”

3. “Civilization is the lamb’s skin in which barbarism masquerades.”

4. “A lie is an abomination unto the Lord and a very present help in trouble.”

5. “To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent—that is to triumph over old age.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures aren’t available due to the time period in which Aldrich lived, his highest net worth would likely be considered modest by today’s standards but respectable for his time, possibly in the range of tens of thousands of dollars.

Children

Thomas Bailey Aldrich and his wife Lilian Woodman had two sons: Charles and Talbot Aldrich. Charles tragically died young, and Talbot went on to become a successful lawyer.