Samuel Hoffenstein

Samuel Hoffenstein was an American poet and screenwriter of the early twentieth century, born in Lithuania and later immigrating to the United States. He wrote light verse and satirical poetry, characterized by wit and playful cynicism. His collections include "Poems in Praise of Practically Nothing" (1928) and "Year In, You're Out" (1930). Hoffenstein also worked in Hollywood as a screenwriter, contributing to films such as "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1931) and "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). His poetry often employed traditional forms and clever wordplay to comment on modern life and human folly. His work was popular in its time and remains an example of American humorous verse.