Oliver Herford

American humorist

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June 29, 2026

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Oliver Herford was an American humorist known for his comic verses and illustrations. He published works such as Alphabet of Celebrities, which featured humorous portrayals of famous individuals. Herford's style was characteristic of an older generation of humorists in the United States, similar to the British Punch magazine tradition. His work, often in small book formats, combined witty writing with his distinctive drawings.1

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caricature and cartoon
20th century
Of such were Oliver Herford, whose Alphabet of Celebrities and other comic verses with pictures were published as small books; Peter Newell, whose highly original Slant Book, Hole Book, etc., had a sharp eye to late prewar costume, and Gelett Burgess, whose Goops for children were spaghetti-like little…
Read More
Of such were Oliver Herford, whose Alphabet of Celebrities and other comic verses with pictures were published as small books; Peter Newell, whose highly original Slant Book, Hole Book, etc., had a sharp eye to late prewar costume, and Gelett Burgess, whose Goops for children were spaghetti-like little…
Read More