Neltje Blanchan

Neltje Blanchan was the pen name of Nellie Blanchan De Graff Doubleday, an American scientific historian and nature writer. Here's a compilation of the information available about her:

Literary Persona:

• Primarily known by her pen name, Neltje Blanchan.

Life:

• Born: October 23, 1865, in Chicago, United States
• Died: February 21, 1918, in Guangzhou, China (Canton at the time)
• Married: Frank Nelson Doubleday (1886)
• Children: Felix Doty (adopted), Nelson Doubleday, Dorothy Doubleday

Career and Achievements:

• Published several popular books on gardening and birds under the pen name Neltje Blanchan.
• Her work is known for its:
  • Synthesis of scientific accuracy with poetic language.
  • Engaging writing style that made nature accessible to a general audience.
• Some of her most popular books include:
  • Wild Flowers Worth Knowing (1900)
  • Birds Every Child Should Know (1901)
  • Bird Neighbors: An Introductory Acquaintance with One Hundred Birds of Our Home (1897)

Legacy:

• Neltje Blanchan's books helped to popularize the study of birds and wildflowers in the early 20th century.
• Her work continues to be enjoyed by nature enthusiasts today, with some of her books available online through Project Gutenberg.

Additional Points:

• There is not a lot of biographical information readily available about Neltje Blanchan's life beyond her publications.
• It is likely she shared an interest in nature with her husband, Frank Nelson Doubleday, who was a prominent publisher.
• Some sources mention she might have traveled to China with her husband, where she possibly passed away due to illness.

Overall, Neltje Blanchan, through her engaging writing and focus on scientific accuracy, played a role in fostering a love for nature and wildlife appreciation among a wider audience.