Our Friend John Burroughs (ePub)

Clara Barrus (1864-1931) was an American physician and writer, best known for her literary companionship and biographical works on the eminent naturalist John Burroughs. Born in New York State, Barrus earned her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, becoming one of the relatively few women of her time to do so. Throughout her career, she was an advocate for public health and served as a medical inspector for the New York City Board of Education. Barrus's acquaintance with Burroughs began through her passion for nature and literature, eventually leading to a deep, personal friendship that lasted until his death in 1921. Their bond resulted in the creation of 'Our Friend John Burroughs' (1914), which encapsulates not only the life of Burroughs but also provides intimate insights into his personality and thought. Her work is characterized by a meticulous and tender approach to biography, preserving the memory of Burroughs' contributions to American literature and environmental thought. Barrus's literary style faithfully mirrored her subject matter, blending a clear and accessible narrative with an evocative representation of nature, much like Burroughs himself. 'Our Friend John Burroughs' remains a significant reference for scholars interested in early environmental literature and the personal dynamics of literary friendships in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.