William Allen Butler

William Allen Butler was an American lawyer and poet who gained fame in the mid-19th century. He is best known for his satirical poem, "Nothing to Wear," which humorously critiqued the extravagance of women's fashion in the 1850s. In addition to his literary pursuits, Butler practiced law and was involved in various legal reforms. He also contributed to several periodicals of his time.

February 20, 1825

September 9, 1902

English

Nothing To Wear

Miss Flora McFlimsey, of Madison Square,
Has made three separate journeys to Paris;
And her father assures me, each time she was there,
That she and her friend Mrs. Harris
(Not the lady whose name is so famous in history,
But plain Mrs. H., without romance or mystery)
Spent six consecutive weeks without stopping,
In one continuous round of shopping;
Shopping alone, and shopping together,
At all hours of the day, and in all sorts of weather:
For all manner of things that a woman can put
On the crown of her head or the sole of her foot,
Or wrap round her shoulders, or fit round her waist,
Or that can be sewed on, or pinned on, or laced,
Or tied on with a string, or stitched on with a bow,
In front or behind, above or below;
For bonnets, mantillas, capes, collars...

William Allen Butler