Ellis Parker Butler

Ellis Parker Butler was a prolific American author, best known for his humorous and satirical writings. Born on December 5, 1869, in Muscatine, Iowa, Butler explored various professions before committing to writing. His breakthrough came with the story "Pigs Is Pigs" in 1905, which became an immediate hit due to its comedic tone and clever commentary on bureaucracy. The story's popularity launched his writing career, leading to a vast output of over 2,000 stories, 30 books, and numerous articles and poems.

Butler's talent lay in his ability to observe and poke fun at everyday life and the quirks of human nature. Despite never achieving the literary acclaim of some of his contemporaries, he was loved by a wide readership for his accessible and entertaining prose. Beyond "Pigs Is Pigs," some of his notable works include "The Incorrigible Dukane" and the "Philosopher Jones" stories. His characters often found themselves in ridiculous situations, allowing readers to laugh at the folly without feeling the sting of heavy criticism.

Ellis Parker Butler’s writings remained popular through the early to mid-20th century, capturing the American middle-class experience with wit and charm. He continued to write until his death on September 13, 1937, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a treasure trove of American humor literature.