Mary E. (Mary Elizabeth) Burt

Mary Elizabeth Burt was an American writer and teacher, born in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in 1850. Records surfaced through Wikisource, Wikimedia Commons, and library catalogs identify her as both an educator and an author, and show that she spent part of her life in Chicago. She wrote and edited books for young readers at a time when school reading and home reading were closely connected.

Her books range widely, but they circle around a clear mission: bringing strong literature within reach of children. Among the works linked to her are Literary Landmarks, Stories from Plato and Other Classic Writers, Herakles: The Hero of Thebes, and the well-known anthology Poems That Every Child Should Know. She also edited or contributed to collections such as Birds and Bees; Sharp Eyes, and Other Papers and later volumes in the "Every Child Should Know" tradition.

Although detailed biographical information appears to be limited, the surviving record suggests a practical, energetic literary guide for young people and teachers alike. Her writing and editorial work reflect a love of classic stories, memorably chosen poetry, and the idea that children deserve access to excellent books from an early age.