John Kendrick Bangs

1862–1922 (age 60)

Author/Humorist

Biography

John Kendrick Bangs delighted readers with stories that mixed gentle satire, fantasy, and kindness, keeping them laughing even as he nudged them to see the world with fresh affection. He edited magazines, penned novels and essays, and delighted in weaving new adventures for characters both famous and whimsical, shaping American humor in an era of rapid change.

He also believed in giving back to fellow writers, offering guidance through mentorship and encouraging collaborative ventures that kept the literary community vibrant. Bangs lies beneath Green-Wood Cemetery's rolling hills, where the spirited wit he rehearsed for readers lives on through the pages he left behind.