INSCRIPTION SIGNED by the American printer, editor and humorist BENJAMIN PENHALLOW SHILLABER.

Shillaber, Benjamin Penhallow (1814-1890). American printer, journalist, editor and humorist who created the character Mrs. Partington.

Published by Chelsea, Massachusetts, May 25, 1878., 1878

About this Item

- Humorist Benjamin Penhallow Shillaber's autographed inscription on a 4 inch high by 6-3/4 inch wide light blue page from an autograph album. The inscription reads: "B.P. Shillaber with accompanying regards of 'Mrs. Partington'. Chelsea, May 25, 1878". The left edge of the page is slightly rough. Very good. The American printer, editor and humorist Benjamin Penhallow Shillaber (1814-1890) often wrote under the pseudonym of his fictional character "Mrs. Partington". After first working for a printing office, Shillaber moved to Boston where he became an editor for the Boston Daily Post and the Saturday Evening Gazette. He introduced the character Mrs. Ruth Partington at the Post. With the help of Charles G. Halpine, Shillaber became the founding editor of the humor magazine "The Carpet-Bag". Both Mark Twain & Ward sent their first contributions to the periodical. Indeed 16 year old Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) contributed his short article "The Dandy Frightening the Squatter" which saw publication in the May 1, 1852 issue of "The Carpet-Bag". Not only does Twain later refer to Mrs. Partington in his book "Roughing It", but Shillaber's character Ike Partington (Mrs. Partington's nephew) may have inspired Twain's character "Tom Sawyer". Seller Inventory # 95079

Bibliographic Details

Title: INSCRIPTION SIGNED by the American printer, ...

Publisher: Chelsea, Massachusetts, May 25, 1878.

Publication Date: 1878

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Very good

Signed: Signed by Author(s)