Francis Alexander Durivage (1814–1881) was an active figure in nineteenth-century American literature, recognized for his versatile contributions as an author, journalist, and translator. Writing during a vibrant period of American periodical publishing, Durivage frequently contributed poems, humorous articles, short stories, and sketches to various magazines. He often published his lighter, satirical pieces under the pseudonym "Old Un," establishing a distinct and popular voice in the humorous literary scene of his era.
Throughout his career, Durivage engaged in several notable collaborative projects. Alongside George P. Burnham, who wrote under the pseudonym "Young Un," he co-authored Stray Subjects arrested and bound over, being the Fugitive Offspring of the Old Un and the Young Un that have been lying around loose, and are now tied up for Fast Keeping in 1848. This collection compiled their humorous fugitive pieces for a wider audience. He also worked with W. S. Chase to translate Alphonse de Lamartine's History of the Revolution of 1848, bringing contemporary French political history to American readers.
In addition to his shorter sketches and translations, Durivage was a playwright and served for a period as the co-editor of Ballou's Pictorial, an influential Boston-based illustrated weekly. His independent book-length publications include the ambitious Cyclopaedia of History (1836) and Life Scenes from the World around Us (1853), a collection that showcased his broader literary talents and observations of contemporary life.
