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Palmer CoxCanadian illustrator, writer and poet.
Date of Birth: 28.04.1840
Country:  Canada |
Content:
Biography of Palmer Cox
Palmer Cox was a Canadian artist, illustrator, writer, and poet. He was born in Granby, Quebec, Canada, to Michael Cox and Sarah Miller. Cox began his professional life as a carpenter and automobile assembler. He lived in San Francisco from 1863 to 1875, where he started publishing illustrated stories in Golden Era and Alta California magazines.
The Brownies and Fame
Cox's most notable works are his humorous verses and comics about mischievous yet kind-hearted mythical creatures called "Brownies." His most famous book about them, titled "The Brownies, Their Book," was published in 1887. The popularity of Cox's works was such that one of the first portable cameras by Kodak was named after his characters - the Brownie.
The Rise of the Brownies
The earliest publication featuring the Brownies dates back to 1879, but their definitive appearance was established in February 1881 in the magazine Wide Awake. In 1883, the Brownie stories appeared in St. Nicholas Magazine, and their popularity continued to grow, leading to their publication in the Ladies' Home Journal.
The Brownies created by Cox were little men who embarked on various adventures. Each Brownie had a unique appearance. For example, Cholly Boutonnière, one of the Brownies, wore a top hat and a monocle, while another was dressed as a traditional Chinese peasant. Yet another appeared to readers as a Native American tribe leader in battle attire.
Cox's text accompanying the illustrations was quite raw, as he did not individualize the speech of the characters, except for those speaking in stereotypical dialects.
Legacy and Death
Palmer Cox passed away on July 24, 1924, in his home in Canada, which he named "The Brownie Castle." His tombstone bears an image of a Brownie and the inscription: "By creating the Brownies, he left a priceless legacy to children."
