The Literary Architect
Unpacking the multifaceted career of Charles Frederick Briggs, a pivotal American journalist, author, and editor of the 19th century.
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Overview
Biographical Sketch
Charles Frederick Briggs (December 30, 1804 – June 20, 1877), often referred to as C. F. Briggs, was a prominent American journalist, author, and editor. Born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, his career spanned significant literary and journalistic developments of the 19th century, particularly in New York City.
The Pseudonym "Harry Franco"
Briggs gained early recognition under the pseudonym "Harry Franco." This nom de plume became widely associated with his humorous and insightful works, most notably *The Adventures of Harry Franco*, published in 1839. The success of this novel was so profound that even his close acquaintances began referring to him as "Franco," a moniker he reportedly found somewhat vexing.[2]
Chronicler of New York Life
His literary contributions frequently explored the intricacies of life in New York City, often imbued with a distinctive humorous tone. Through his various publications and editorial roles, Briggs offered a unique lens into the social and cultural landscape of the burgeoning metropolis, capturing its essence for contemporary readers.[1]
Early Life & Literary Debut
From Seafaring to Groceries
Before embarking on his distinguished literary career, Charles Frederick Briggs led a life far removed from the intellectual salons of New York. He began as a sailor in his native Nantucket, Massachusetts, a profession that likely exposed him to diverse experiences and perspectives. Following his maritime pursuits, he transitioned into the wholesale grocery business, a venture that provided a practical foundation before his eventual pivot to writing and editing.[1]
The Franco Sensation
The trajectory of Briggs's career dramatically shifted with the publication of *The Adventures of Harry Franco* in 1839. This humorous adventure story was an immediate and unexpected success, catapulting him into the literary spotlight. The novel's popularity was such that it directly influenced his decision to dedicate himself fully to journalism and writing, marking a definitive turning point in his professional life.[1]
*The Haunted Merchant*
Building on his initial success, Briggs continued to cultivate his distinctive narrative voice. He contributed a series of humorous stories to *The Knickerbocker* magazine, a prominent literary journal of the era. Among these was a serialized narrative that, despite remaining incomplete in its original format, was subsequently published as the novel *The Haunted Merchant* in 1843, further solidifying his reputation as a compelling storyteller.[3]
Journalistic Ventures
The Copyright Club
In 1843, Briggs demonstrated his commitment to broader literary issues by founding the Copyright Club. This organization was established with the crucial objective of raising awareness and advocating for the necessity of international copyright law. However, Briggs's involvement with the Club was relatively short-lived, as he departed when a magazine named *Centurion* was perceived to "contrive to monopolize all the credit" for the club's efforts.[4]
Launching the *Broadway Journal*
A significant undertaking in Briggs's journalistic career was the establishment of the *Broadway Journal* in New York City in 1844. In this new venture, Briggs assumed the critical editorial responsibilities, actively soliciting contributions and shaping the publication's content. His business partner, John Bisco, a former schoolteacher, managed the publishing and financial aspects of the journal, forming a complementary partnership.[1]
Collaborations and Conflicts
The *Broadway Journal* attracted notable literary figures, including Briggs's friend, James Russell Lowell. While Lowell was a contributor, Briggs held reservations about Lowell's "hot and excited" abolitionist stance, indicating a divergence in their political views despite their professional association.[5] This period highlights the complex interplay of personal relationships and professional ideologies within the 19th-century literary scene.
The Poe Era
Edgar Allan Poe's Arrival
The *Broadway Journal* gained particular historical significance through its association with Edgar Allan Poe. In December 1844, James Russell Lowell recommended Poe for a position at the nascent magazine. Poe subsequently joined as an associate editor in January 1845, quickly ascending to co-editor and acquiring a one-third ownership stake in the publication just a month later.[6]
A Contentious Partnership
Despite Poe's ownership, the working relationship between Briggs and Poe was fraught with tension. Briggs reportedly viewed Poe as "only an assistant," rather than an equal partner.[7] Poe, in turn, held a rather scathing opinion of Briggs, describing him as "grossly uneducated" and asserting that he "has never composed in his life three consecutive sentences of grammatical English."[8] This mutual disdain underscores the challenging dynamics within their collaboration.
The Journal's Demise
The *Broadway Journal* ultimately faced financial difficulties. Briggs resigned from his editorial duties in June 1845. By October of the same year, John Bisco sold his share of the magazine to Poe for a sum of $50, paid with a note endorsed by Horace Greeley.[9] Despite Poe's efforts to sustain it, the magazine ceased publication, with its final issue dated January 3, 1846.[10]
Later Career
Editorial Roles
Following his departure from the *Broadway Journal*, C. F. Briggs continued to be an active figure in the publishing world. He served as an editor for several other notable publications, including *Holden's Dollar Magazine*.[11] His editorial acumen was further recognized when he became the managing editor for *Putnam's Magazine* from 1853 to 1856, working alongside esteemed associate editors George William Curtis and Parke Godwin.
*The Homes of American Authors*
During his tenure at *Putnam's Magazine*, Briggs collaborated with Curtis and Godwin on a significant literary project: a "gift book" titled *The Homes of American Authors*, published in 1852.[12] This work likely offered readers a glimpse into the lives and environments of prominent American writers, reflecting the era's fascination with literary figures.
Newspaper Contributions
Briggs's versatility extended to daily journalism, where he held staff positions at several influential newspapers. He contributed to *The New York Times*, the *Evening Mirror*, and the *Brooklyn Union*. His final journalistic role was with the *Independent*, a testament to his enduring presence and adaptability within the evolving media landscape of the 19th century. Briggs passed away on June 20, 1877, in Brooklyn, concluding a long and impactful career.
Critical Reception
Lowell's Poetic Assessment
James Russell Lowell, a contemporary and occasional collaborator, offered a nuanced portrayal of Briggs in his satirical poem *A Fable for Critics*. Lowell observed Briggs's paradoxical nature, noting, "He's in joke half the time when he seems to be sternest / When he seems to be joking, be sure he's in earnest."[13] This suggests a complex personality, where humor often masked serious intent.
Contradictions in Character
Lowell further elaborated on Briggs's contradictory traits, writing:
...as he draws near
You find that's a smile you took for a sneer;
One half of him contradicts t'other; his wont
Is to say very sharp things and do very blunt,
His manners as hard as his feelings are tender[14]
This vivid description paints Briggs as a figure whose outward demeanor could be misleading, possessing a sharp wit and firm mannerisms that belied a more sensitive inner disposition.
A "Gothamite" Perspective
In a letter penned in 1844, Lowell also offered a more direct critique, albeit one aimed at New Yorkers in general, which likely included Briggs. He remarked, "You Gothamites strain hard to attain a metropolitan character, but I think if you *felt* very metropolitan you would not be showing it on all occasions."[15] This comment reflects a broader cultural observation about the self-consciousness of New York's literary and social elite during that period.
Selected Writings
A Legacy in Print
Charles Frederick Briggs's literary output, often characterized by its humor and keen observations of urban life, left a notable mark on 19th-century American letters. His works frequently explored themes of adventure, social commentary, and the human condition within the bustling context of New York City.
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References
References
- Miller, Perry. The Raven and the Whale: The War of Words and Wits in the Era of Poe and Melville. New York: Harvest Book, 1956: 47.
- Miller, Perry. The Raven and the Whale: The War of Words and Wits in the Era of Poe and Melville. New York: Harvest Book, 1956: 175.
- Miller, Perry. The Raven and the Whale: The War of Words and Wits in the Era of Poe and Melville. New York: Harvest Book, 1956: 156.
- Bayless, Joy. Rufus Wilmot Griswold: Poe's Literary Executor. Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 1943: 201.
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