Charles Barnard

Born in Boston on February 13, 1838, Charles Barnard became an American reporter, playwright, and author whose career crossed several kinds of writing. Sources describe him as contributing to well-known magazines including The Century, Scribner’s Monthly, Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, Harper’s Young People, Wide Awake, and St. Nicholas.

Before settling fully into literary work, he appears to have followed a varied path that included theological study, work in a florist business, and journalism. That practical background shows up in his books, which ranged from fiction and drama to accessible works on gardening, science, and music.

Barnard is especially remembered for the breadth of his output rather than for a single genre. Among the works associated with him are The County Fair and books on intensive gardening and simple scientific experiments. He died in Pasadena, California, on April 11, 1920.