F. Burge Griswold, born Frances Burge on April 28, 1826, was an American author of the nineteenth century who dedicated much of her literary career to moral and religious writing. Over the course of her life, her name changed through marriage and she adopted various pen names to publish her work. She was known at different times as F. Burge Smith and, after her second marriage, as F. Burge Griswold, while also writing under the pseudonyms Mrs. S. B. Phelps and Fan-Fan.\n\nGriswold's bibliography primarily consists of Sunday school tales and other semi-religious works that were popular during her era. She is particularly remembered for her Bishop and Nanette series, which offered moral guidance through narrative, as well as her book Miriam's Reward. These works were designed to appeal to young readers and families seeking literature that aligned with Christian values and spiritual education.\n\nBeyond her instructional religious texts, Griswold found success with other popular writings, including her Fan-Fan Stories and the volume titled Asleep. Her career reflected the nineteenth-century American literary market's strong demand for domestic and religious fiction. Griswold passed away on November 11, 1900, leaving behind a diverse collection of stories that captured the educational and spiritual spirit of her time.
