The Most Peculiar History of the Chewing Gum Man

The Most Peculiar History of the Chewing Gum Man, Gelett Burgess (1866-1951), San Francisco, California, 1894 November.

About the Author

Gelett Burgess was a very prolific author, writing rhymes and stories, drawing pictures, teaching art, and editing a famous humor magazine, The Lark. Among his best-known creations are The Goops, round little creatures he used to demonstrate good and bad behavior. Burgess made a few special books for his friends and family. The “Chewing Gum Man” was made for his sisters. This story was eventually published in The Burgess Nonsense Book in 1901.

The Most Peculiar History of the Chewing Gum Man is a unique, handmade book, typescript, corrected, with pencil, ink, and watercolor drawings.

Related Resources

Betsy Beinecke Shirley collection of American children's literature, 1640-2001