Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold), 1793-1860

Samuel Griswold Goodrich (1793-1860) wrote a popular and widely imitated series of educational works for children under the pen name of Peter Parley. His intent was to provide an alternative to the British biases of 19th-century schoolroom texts and the questionable morals of nursery rhymes. He also created two children's magazines, Merry's Museum and Parley's Magazine, as well as an annual gift book, The Token. Goodrich served in the Massachusetts legislature in 1837 and held the post of U.S. consul at Paris from 1851 to 1853.

From the guide to the Samuel G. Goodrich Collection, 1812-1972, 1820-1860, (Amherst College Archives and Special Collections)

...