New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-05-16
OBITUARY.
OLIVER BELL'BUNCE.

Oliver Bell Bunce who well known as an
editor as writer Of successful novels and essays
died on Wednesday night from consumption at his
home. No. $50 West Twentlethst. He leaves q wife,
one son and three daughters.
Mr.. Bunce was born in this city on February s..
1928 and was Of English descent Although his EARL
education limited to the teaching he received a.
Rand's Academy, a.wellsno institution In Its day
strongly marked taste for literature early developed
Itself In him. While still boy, circumstances Obliged
him to go TO work. and he became clerk with The
stationery firm Of Jansen Rel, OF which his uncle
was one Of the partners. This place he kept until
after his twentieth year. Meanwhile, he had written
two plays" Fate, the Prophecy tragedy, In
which James W. Wallack used to play leading role
and comedy called Love in 49," founded on in
cidents OF the Revelation, which was put upon the
stage by Laura Keene, who took the part Oh tile prl-
cipal female character. waack also played in Marco
Bozzaris" which was written by Mr.. Bunce somewhat
later. The Romance OF the Revolution published
IN 1852, was the young authors first book
AT the age Of twenty-five he founded the firm OF
Bunce Brother, publishers. Among the ventures
of the house was the publication Of " Mrs. Ann
5. Stephens's Monthly" Of which Mr. Bunce was ed
Itor The business failed through insufficient cap
ital. after hard fight. His next position was as
manager Of the publishing house OF James g. Gregory
In which he met with signal success 1t was largely
owing his efforts that the fine edition Of Cooper's
Mr. Bunce was the first publisher to bring out the
superbly illustrated editions Of favoc poems for the
holidays, which have since been so popular.
In the middle Of his business cares, MT. Bunce
made time for the literary work which was the pas
sion Of his life In 1860 he wrote A Bachelors
story" and Life Before Him." These novels were
published by W. A. Townsend & Co., and In 1853
another, entitled Blnsley," issued by James e.
Gregory. Mr.. Bunce was for a short time associated
with the Harpers, and in 1857 he formed connection
with ID. Appleton e. Co., which lasted throughout the
rest of his life "AppletOn's Journal was FOUNDED
In 1870, and Mr.. Bunce became its associate editor
The next year he made editor-n-chief, ana re-
tanned editorial control Of the magazine as long as
1t published.
The success Of Picturesque America" has become
of the traditions of the publishing business In this
city. This work an ougrowth of some Oh ue
earlier numbers OF "Appleton's Journal' III M Ia
some striking back-and- white sketches by Harry
Fem OF scenes in Florida and at Mount Desert sug,
gested to Mr. Bunce elaborate work In the same
The SSc SoSs to Sas all TI' ho
most strikngly picturesque features Of the United
states. Mr.. Bunce had practical control Of the ar.
tisc we'll the literary contents Of the work. and
its is largely owing to that fact Other pub
locations which had the advantage Of his editorial
ability were Picturesque Europe PICTURESQUE
In recent years Mr.. Bunce has been best known to
reviews and as the author Of several successful books
1.-The Opinions and Dsputations OF Bachelor Bluff
volume Of wise and witty essays on literature su So
an Ideal,' and "Timas Terrystone," novel, ap-
peared in 1885. The excellent advice Of Don't" was
jotted down at odd moments by the same busy hand.
Since this little book first appeared, In 1884, more
than $4,000 copies of 1t have been sold in this country
besides many editions in England an and 1t has been
Mr.. Bunce was one OF the founders Of the Authors
Club and member Of the ST. Nicholas Society.