Dr. Seuss’s real name was Theodor Geisel. In 1925, as a Dartmouth College undergrad, Geisel — then 21 years old — and nine friends were caught, in his room, drinking gin. The problem? Prohibition. As part of his punishment, Geisel was not allowed to continue at the Lantern, Dartmouth’s humor magazine. A talented editorial cartoonist, Geisel did what many before him have done: donned a moniker, and participated under a pseudonym. In his case, under Geisel drew under the names L. Pasteur, L. Burbank, D. G. Rossetti, and one other — his middle name, Seuss. It obviously stuck — later with a made-up honorific.

– Dan Lewis, Now I Know newsletter.

Who knew?

I mean, I knew Dr. Seuss’ first name was Theodor, but who knew he became Dr. Seuss because of prohibition? I think he just ousted The Great Gatsby as the best literary byproduct of the 18th amendment.

