Thornton W. Burgess (January 17, 1874 – June 5, 1965) spent much of his life living in and around the state of Massachusetts in the United States. He was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 1874 and spent his formative years in this small town on Cape Cod, where he developed a love for nature and wildlife.
After completing his education, Burgess moved to Boston to pursue a career in journalism. He began his career as a naturalist, working for the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture and later serving as the editor of the publication “Good Housekeeping” from 1914 to 1919. His interest in wildlife conservation and his experiences observing nature in the New England countryside greatly influenced his writing. In 1915, Burgess founded the Green Meadow Club, an organization dedicated to teaching children about wildlife and nature conservation. Through the club, Burgess promoted environmental awareness and encouraged young readers to appreciate and protect the natural world.
He worked as a newspaper reporter and later as an editor for various publications in the city. Burgess’s writing career took off in 1910 when he published his first book, “Old Mother West Wind.” This marked the beginning of his prolific career as a children’s author, during which he wrote hundreds of stories and books featuring anthropomorphic animal characters. By the time he retired, he had written more than 170 books and 15,000 stories for the daily newspaper column.
One of Burgess’s most significant contributions to children’s literature was the creation of the Green Forest, a fictional woodland setting where many of his stories take place. The Green Forest became a beloved and iconic backdrop for his animal tales, capturing the imaginations of readers around the world.
While Thornton W. Burgess led a relatively quiet life compared to some other authors, his passion for nature, his commitment to conservation, and his talent for storytelling left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire readers to this day. His books continue to be cherished classics and are widely read and enjoyed by children and adults alike.