Frank Gelett Burgess (1866–1951) was an American artist, art critic, poet, author, and humorist. He is best remembered for his playful approach to language and his contribution to the American lexicon through his works. Burgess's penchant for whimsy is best encapsulated in his landmark book, 'Burgess Unabridged: A new dictionary of words you have always needed' where he gleefully invents and defines a plethora of new words and phrases. His literary style is characterized by a deft combination of humor, nonsense, and satire, much in the vein of Lewis Carroll or the later works of Dr. Seuss. Burgess was a member of the bohemian literary and artistic circle based in San Francisco in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He founded 'The Lark,' a humorous magazine, and wrote the famous nonsense poem 'The Purple Cow,' which became his most enduring contribution to American literature. In addition to his dictionaries and humorous verse, Burgess authored several books in various genres, including 'The Burgess Nonsense Book' and 'Goops and How to Be Them', a series of whimsical children's books that were equally loved by the adults for their satire of manners. Burgess's work remains a testament to the joy and creativity inherent in the American literary tradition, and his influence can still be seen in the works of modern humorists and lexicographers.