Ellis Parker Butler
Biography
Ellis Parker Butler (1869–1937) was an American author and humorist best known for his short story "Pigs Is Pigs" (1905), one of the most widely read humorous tales in early twentieth-century America. Born in Muscatine, Iowa, Butler moved to New York City where he became a prolific writer, producing over 2,000 stories, essays, and novels during his career. His writing combined gentle satire with absurdist humor, often targeting bureaucracy and everyday foibles. Butler was a regular contributor to major magazines of his era and served as the first president of the Authors League of America.
Common themes in Ellis Parker Butler's work
American humor
A recurring theme throughout Ellis Parker Butler's writing.
Satire
A recurring theme throughout Ellis Parker Butler's writing.
Bureaucratic absurdity
A recurring theme throughout Ellis Parker Butler's writing.
Children's fiction
A recurring theme throughout Ellis Parker Butler's writing.
Books
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Why Ellis Parker Butler is still read today
Butler's humor remains remarkably fresh, poking fun at bureaucratic absurdity and human quirks that are just as recognizable today. His accessible, lighthearted prose makes him an ideal entry point into early American humor writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ellis Parker Butler?
Butler (1869–1937) was a prolific American humorist best known for "Pigs Is Pigs." He wrote over 2,000 works. Read his books free on TextStack.
What is Ellis Parker Butler known for?
His humorous short stories and novels satirizing bureaucracy and everyday life in early 20th-century America.
Where can I read Ellis Parker Butler online?
His works are available to read free online on TextStack.
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