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Bill Nye, not to be confused with the popular science educator, was an American humorist whose literary career blossomed in the late 19th century. Born Edgar Wilson Nye in 1850, he grew to prominence through his sharp wit and the pen name Bill Nye, under which his writings were usually published. His humor, often underscored by a satirical flair, resonated with the cultural and social dynamics of his time. Nye's literary style is frequently compared to Mark Twain's for its humor and sociopolitical commentary, and indeed, Nye was a contemporary to Twain, engaging in similarly themed satire. Nye's celebrated book 'Baled Hay: A Drier Book than Walt Whitman's "Leaves o' Grass"' stands as a testament to his literary prowess, wherein he parodies the seriousness of other works, including Whitman's, with his characteristic levity and astute observations on life. Although not as prolific as some of his contemporaries, Nye's contributions to American humor and the genre of parody remain significant, illustrating the zeitgeist of the gilded age through a comedic lens. His works continue to be studied for their historical significance and literary merit, encapsulating the essence of 19th-century American humor.
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