Gelett Burgess, American author, poet, and critic (d. 1951)

Frank Gelett Burgess (January 30, 1866 – September 18, 1951) was a highly versatile American polymath, renowned for his multifaceted career as an artist, astute art critic, witty poet, prolific author, and keen humorist. His extensive contributions cemented his status as a pivotal figure in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area literary renaissance of the 1890s, an era marked by significant artistic and intellectual ferment and a distinctive bohemian spirit.

The Lark Magazine and San Francisco's Bohemian Scene

Burgess’s influence during this period was particularly amplified through his groundbreaking and often iconoclastic little magazine, The Lark. Launched in May 1895, this unconventional publication, though short-lived with only 24 issues, became a distinctive voice of artistic rebellion against prevailing literary conventions. The Lark showcased experimental verse, whimsical prose, and unique illustrations, capturing the unconventional and anti-establishment spirit of San Francisco's flourishing literary scene, making it a key document of the era's cultural landscape.

Nonsense Verse and Enduring Rhymes

Among his most celebrated achievements, Gelett Burgess is perhaps best known as a master of nonsense verse, a genre where he displayed unparalleled wit and whimsical charm. His most famous creation, "The Purple Cow: a Poem," first appeared in the inaugural issue of The Lark in 1895. This brief, memorable quatrain quickly achieved widespread popularity, becoming a quintessential example of humorous, self-aware poetry that remains widely quoted today:

The poem's pervasive appeal led Burgess himself to express a humorous lament in a later work, "Confession: and A Portrait Too, Upon a Background that I Rue," indicating how indelibly linked he became to this single, iconic verse. His contributions significantly shaped the landscape of American humorous poetry.

Introducing Modern Art to America

Beyond his literary pursuits, Burgess played a crucial, pioneering role in shaping American perspectives on contemporary art. He is widely credited for being among the very first to introduce French modern art, specifically the radical Fauvist movement, to a broader American audience. This seminal introduction occurred through his influential essay titled "The Wild Men of Paris," published in the prestigious *Architectural Record* in May 1910. In this groundbreaking piece, Burgess provided early insights into the works of revolutionary artists like Henri Matisse, André Derain, and Maurice de Vlaminck, whose bold use of non-naturalistic color and simplified forms were initially met with bewilderment and even derision in the art world, yet fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of Western art and paved the way for future avant-garde movements in the United States.

The Legacy of "Goops" and Coining "Blurb"

Burgess's expansive creativity also extended into children's literature with his highly popular "Goops" books. Beginning with "Goops and How to Be Them" in 1900, these collections of didactic verses and distinctive illustrations offered humorous yet firm lessons on etiquette and good manners for children. The "Goops" are depicted as simple, rounded figures whose exaggerated misbehavior serves as a light-hearted warning, making learning proper conduct both engaging and memorable for young readers and becoming a classic in children's educational literature.

Furthermore, Gelett Burgess made a lasting linguistic contribution by coining the now ubiquitous term "blurb." He invented the word in 1907 for the dust jacket of his own humorous book, "Are You a Bromide?" Intending it as a satirical jab at the overly laudatory and often exaggerated promotional texts typically found on book covers, Burgess playfully defined a "blurb" as "a modest, unostentatious advertisement, usually put on the back of a book." The term quickly gained currency, evolving into its modern usage describing a short, descriptive piece of text used for promotion, particularly in publishing, a testament to his wit and cultural insight.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gelett Burgess

Who was Frank Gelett Burgess?
Frank Gelett Burgess (1866–1951) was a versatile American artist, art critic, poet, author, and humorist, notably known for his nonsense verse, his role in the San Francisco literary renaissance, and his significant linguistic contributions.
What is "The Purple Cow" poem?
"The Purple Cow" is a famous four-line nonsense verse by Gelett Burgess, published in 1895 in The Lark, renowned for its simple wit and enduring popularity. It begins with "I never saw a Purple Cow, I never hope to see one."
What was The Lark magazine and why was it important?
The Lark was an influential, iconoclastic literary magazine launched by Gelett Burgess in May 1895 in San Francisco. It was instrumental in the Bay Area literary renaissance, known for its experimental and bohemian content, challenging conventional literary norms.
How did Gelett Burgess contribute to American art history?
Burgess significantly contributed to American art history by being one of the first to introduce French modern art, specifically the Fauvist movement, to a broader American audience through his pioneering 1910 essay "The Wild Men of Paris" in *Architectural Record*.
What are the "Goops" books?
The "Goops" books are a series of popular children's books by Gelett Burgess, starting in 1900 with "Goops and How to Be Them," which use humorous verses and distinctive illustrations to teach children about good manners and etiquette.
Where did the term "blurb" originate?
The term "blurb" was famously coined by Gelett Burgess in 1907 for the dust jacket of his book "Are You a Bromide?", originally as a satirical comment on the exaggerated promotional texts typically found on book covers.