Auteur: Thomas O. Summers

Old Humphrey, the pseudonym for George Mogridge (1787–1854), was a prolific English writer in the 19th century, renowned for his moral and religious tracts, children”s literature, and travelogues. Though the details of his early life remain somewhat obscure, once he embraced the life of a writer, Mogridge flourished as a didactic author, renowned for his easy and engaging prose designed to instruct and entertain his readers. His work “History, Manners, and Customs of the North American Indians” stands out as an engaging examination of the indigenous peoples of North America, reflecting the curiosity and attitudes of the era toward “exotic” cultures. Mogridge”s writings typically combine moral lessons with insightful observations of people, nature, and places, intertwined with a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective. His literary style often employs a conversational tone and anecdotes, which made his works accessible to a wide audience in Victorian England. His substantial body of work spanned over three hundred volumes under various pen names, including “Old Humphrey”, with this particular appellation becoming so popular that it often overshadowed his real name. Mogridge”s legacy is that of a dedicated moralist, a seasoned traveler, and a sympathetic observer of the human condition, whose extensive writings continue to be a resource for those interested in early Victorian literature and its perspective on culture and morality.