Guy Wetmore Carryl

Born in New York City in 1873, Guy Wetmore Carryl was the son of writer Charles Edward Carryl. He published in The New York Times while still young and graduated from Columbia University in 1895, where he also wrote for amateur performances, including the first Varsity Show.

After college, he worked in journalism and magazine publishing, including service on the staff of Harper's Weekly. He became best known for comic verse and literary parody, especially in books such as Fables for the Frivolous, Mother Goose for Grown-Ups, and Grimm Tales Made Gay, which reimagined well-known tales with a modern, mischievous twist.

Carryl died in 1904, only 31 years old. Even with such a short life, he left behind a body of writing that still feels bright, clever, and easy to enjoy, especially for readers who like classic stories with a wink.