Charleston’s Colonial Literary Investigation

In November 1753, the mysterious and ever-present essays, letters, songs, poems, and advertisements, all penned by “The Humourist,” began appearing in the South Carolina Gazette. Continuing into 1754 and then abruptly ceasing, the mysterious essays were set in history as a brief and puzzling stint in colonial Carolina literature. That is until historian, researcher and author Brent Kendrick at long last revealed the unknown identity. In his fourth book, Unmasking the Humourist: Alexander Gordon’s Lost Essays of Colonial Charleston, Kendrick places Gordon back into the limelight of literature. Join us for a Lite Lunch accompanied by the long-awaited reveal of “The Humourist” – the exposé of Kendrick’s research into the history discovered here in the Library Society’s own vaults.

If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to purchase one or more signed copies, please visit Buxton Books.

The ticket price below includes a boxed lunch for you to enjoy during the program.

About the Book

Unmasking The Humourist is a groundbreaking literary investigation that solves one of Colonial America’s greatest mysteries—who wrote The Humourist essays published in The South-Carolina Gazette in 1753–1754? For centuries, these satirical, sharp-witted essays remained orphaned, their author lost to history. Now, through meticulous research, Dr. Brent L. Kendrick unveils the true identity of The Humourist: Alexander Gordon—antiquarian, Egyptologist, scholar, and Clerk of His Majesty’s Council in South Carolina. This definitive edition not only restores Gordon’s rightful place in American literary history but also immerses readers in the vibrant world of colonial Charleston. Featuring the complete text of The Humourist essays, alongside historical annotations, detailed analysis, and newly uncovered evidence, this volume brings fresh insight into Charleston’s intellectual landscape. By situating these essays within their historical and literary context, the book ensures that The Humourist’s incisive voice—long buried in forgotten newsprint—resonates once more.

About the Author

Dr. Brent L. Kendrick is the scholar who has solved one of America’s greatest literary mysteries. Unmasking The Humourist: Alexander Gordon’s Lost Essays of Colonial Charleston, South Carolina restores and analyzes a remarkable body of 18th-century satire, ensuring that The Humourist’s incisive voice is heard once more. A recognized authority on Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, Kendrick has dedicated decades to literary scholarship, including editing The Infant Sphinx: Collected Letters of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman and Green Mountain Stories. His forthcoming two-volume biography, Dolly: Life and Letters of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, will stand as the definitive work on the celebrated author. Beyond his research, Kendrick spent 25 years at the Library of Congress—earning its Distinguished Service Award—and 23 years as a Professor of English at Laurel Ridge Community College, where he inspired over 7,000 students. He was named one of Virginia’s top twelve educators by the State Council of Higher Education (2008), received the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2010), and held the distinction of Chancellor’s Professor (2012-2014). As the inaugural recipient of the Susan S. Wood Professorship for Teaching Excellence (2016), Kendrick’s classroom became a space not just for instruction but for transformation. An accomplished essayist, he is also the author of three collections of creative nonfiction: In Bed: My Year of Foolin’ Around (2023), More Wit and Wisdom: Another Year of Foolin’ Around in Bed (2024), and The Third Time’s the Charm: Still Foolin’ Around in Bed (2025). His reflective, witty nightly writings prove that curiosity and creativity flourish when nurtured daily. With Unmasking The Humourist, Kendrick brings his signature depth of inquiry, passion for storytelling, and meticulous research to Charleston’s intellectual history—an achievement celebrated in this special launch event.