| Synopsis: |
Joseph A. Altsheler became a storywriter almost by chance when he was unable to secure a desirable serial for boys and decided to write one himself. This began a long list of juvenile stories, grouped in six main series: the French and Indian War, Great West, Young Trailers, Civil War, World War, and Texas. Altsheler was interested in American history and took care to ensure authentic historical facts in his books. On May 30, 1888, he married Sarah Boles; they had one son, Sidney. The Altshelers were caught in Germany when World War I broke out in 1914, and the hardships they endured in returning to America broke Altsheler's health. He was a semi-invalid until his death, in New York on June 5, 1919 |