author
Oliver Bell Bunce
1828–1890
A lively man of letters in 19th-century New York, this writer moved easily between publishing, journalism, fiction, and the stage. His books range from Revolutionary anecdotes to novels and social satire, giving a vivid glimpse of the reading world of his time.
1 Audiobook
About the author
Born in New York City on February 8, 1828, Oliver Bell Bunce built his career inside the literary culture of the city he never really left. He was educated at Rand's Academy and spent many years in the book trade as a bookseller and publisher before becoming known more broadly as a writer and editor.
Bunce wrote across several forms, including fiction, drama, essays, and historical compilation. His first book, The Romance of the Revolution (1852), gathered stories and incidents from the American Revolution, and he later published works such as A Bachelor's Story, Life Before Him, and Don't: A Manual of Mistakes and Improprieties. He was also connected with D. Appleton & Co. and served as an editor of Appletons' Journal, a role that placed him at the center of American magazine culture in the late 19th century.
He died in New York City on May 15, 1890. Today, Bunce is remembered as a versatile and energetic literary figure whose work reflects the wide tastes of his era, from popular instruction and humor to storytelling and editorial work.