Auteur: Geo. P. Burnham

Geo. P. Burnham, commonly known as George Pickering Burnham, was a 19th-century American author known for his humorous and satirical writings. Born in 1814, Burnham cultivated a reputation for his keen observations of societal quirks and fads. His most notable work, “The History of the Hen Fever. A Humorous Record”, published in 1855, is a satirical account of the mid-19th-century craze for poultry breeding in the United States, which he refers to as “Hen Fever”. The text provides an entertaining yet insightful look at the peculiarities of American culture and the eccentricities of its people during this period. Burnham”s literary style, which often included a blend of humor, satire, and detailed narrative, captured the folly of fads and popular culture in a manner that was both engaging and didactic, reflecting the social commentary style of his contemporaries like Mark Twain. Although his works may not be as widely remembered as some of his peers, Burnham”s contributions to American literary culture, particularly within the realm of humor, remain an important part of the cultural tapestry of his time.