George L. Duyckinck
George L. Duyckinck was an influential American editor and biographer, known for his contributions to literary journals and educational organizations in the 19th century. Born to Evert and Harriet June Duyckinck, he experienced early loss when both parents passed away during his childhood, leading his older brother to assume a paternal role. Duyckinck attended the Geneva Academy and graduated from the University of the City of New York in 1843, after which he joined his brother as coeditor of the Literary World, where he published many unsigned editorials. He also collaborated on Holden's Dollar Magazine and the Cyclopaedia. In 1855, he took on a significant role with the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union and Church Book Society, focusing on writing biographies for the organization. His first published biography, "The Life of George Herbert," appeared in 1858, marking the beginning of a prolific writing career. Though his time in the literary field spanned just fifteen years, Duyckinck's dedication and numerous publications have left a lasting impact on American literary history.
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Subject Terms
George L. Duyckinck
Author
- Born: October 17, 1823
- Birthplace: New York, New York
- Died: March 30, 1863
- Place of death: New York, New York
Biography
George L. Duyckinck was the second son born to Evert and Harriet June Duyckinck. His parents believed in raising their children in a household that was both encouraging and rich in culture. Duyckinck’s father died in 1833, followed by his mother in 1837; Duyckinck’s older brother was left to play the role of father figure.
Duyckinck attended Geneva Academy in New York and graduated from the University of the City of New York in 1843. Five years later, he joined his brother at the Literary World as coeditor and published numerous unsigned editorials in the journal. Together, the brothers also worked on Holden’s Dollar Magazine in 1851 and on Cyclopaedia. In 1855, Duyckinck became part of the committee of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union and Church Book Society. He was put in charge of writing the biographies for the organization, a job he took very seriously. While traveling to Europe in 1857, Duyckinck wrote his first biography for publication, The Life of George Herbert (1858). An author of countless publications, Duyckinck left a lasting impression in American literary history. Although his career was short, Duyckinck worked hard during the fifteen-year period in which he was active and made sure that even his last publication was a success.