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Cover of The History of the Hen Fever. A Humorous Record

The History of the Hen Fever. A Humorous Record

Written by Geo. P. (George Pickering) Burnham

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Poultry

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About this book

"The History of the Hen Fever. A Humorous Record" by Geo. P. Burnham is a humorous account written in the mid-19th century. The work explores the peculiar trend of poultry breeding, notably focusing on the "hen fever" phenomenon that captivated a wide swath of society, from farmers to city dwellers. The narrative seems to revolve around the lives of various poultry enthusiasts and the absurdities of the poultry trade during this period. The opening of the book introduces the author’s early experience with the chicken breeding craze, which began in his home in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in the summer of 1849. He recounts a conversation with a friend who boasts about his extensive variety of fowl, highlighting the eccentricities and ambitions of poultry farmers. From there, the author reflects on his own journey into the poultry world, including ordering the exotic Cochin-China breed and setting the stage for the first brilliant poultry exhibition in Boston. With vivid descriptions and ironic commentary, the opening sets up a whimsical tone, hinting at the humorous misadventures that will follow as more characters become ensnared in the feverish race for unusual and impressive fowls.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The History of the Hen Fever. A Humorous Record, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • satirical
  • observational

Geo. P. Burnham's "The History of the Hen Fever" is a delightful 19th-century satirical account chronicling the peculiar obsession with poultry breeding that swept through American society. Beginning with the author's own reluctant foray into the craze in 1849 Roxbury, the book humorously details the escalating fascination with exotic fowl, particularly the Cochin-China breed, and the subsequent commercial frenzy it ignited. Burnham masterfully blends personal anecdotes with broader social commentary, illustrating the absurd lengths to which individuals, from humble farmers to prominent city dwellers, went to acquire, breed, and exhibit their prized chickens. Ultimately, it serves as an entertaining and insightful look into human folly, the nature of fads, and the often-unforeseen consequences of collective enthusiasm.

“It was in the summer of 1849, in my pleasant home in Roxbury, that the initial spark of this peculiar fever first ignited within my breast.”

Key themes

Human Folly and Obsession
This is the central theme, exploring the irrational and often humorous lengths to which individuals will go when gripped by a collective obsession. Burnham uses the 'hen fever' as a prime example of human susceptibility to fads, vanity, and the desire for perceived status through trivial pursuits. The disproportionate energy, time, and money invested in poultry breeding highlight the absurdity of such fixations.
Social Trends and Fads
The book meticulously chronicles the rise and spread of a specific social fad, offering insights into how such trends emerge, gain momentum, and influence various strata of society. It examines the mechanisms through which a niche interest can capture the public imagination, creating a shared cultural experience, however fleeting. The 'hen fever' serves as a case study for the cyclical nature of popular enthusiasms.
Economic Speculation and Bubbles
Beneath the humorous surface, the book subtly critiques the speculative nature of markets and the formation of economic bubbles. The inflated prices of exotic fowl, the intense trade, and the promise of quick profits, all driven by enthusiasm rather than inherent value, mirror larger financial speculative manias. The 'hen fever' can be seen as a micro-bubble, illustrating the principles of supply, demand, and irrational exuberance.

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