Timeline
Title
Country/Nationality
Oliver Optic
Oliver Optic was the pen name of William Taylor Adams, an American author and editor known for his children's books. He was born on July 30th, 1822, in Medway, Massachusetts, and went on to become one of the most popular writers of his time.
Oliver Optic's principles were rooted in his belief that children's literature should be both educational and entertaining. He believed that books for children should provide moral guidance and teach important lessons while still capturing their imagination and inspiring a love of reading.
Optic was most famous for his series of books set in the United States Navy, which included titles such as "The Sailor Boy," "The Young Lieutenant," and "The Yankee Middy." These books were immensely popular among young readers and helped to establish Optic as one of the most successful children's authors of his time.
In addition to his naval series, Optic wrote a number of other popular children's books, including "The Boat Club," "The Riverdale Story Books," and "The Woodville Stories." These books explored themes such as friendship, adventure, and coming of age, and they helped to define the genre of children's literature in the United States.
Optic's philosophy regarding children's literature was that it should be both entertaining and educational. He believed that books for children should provide positive role models and teach important life lessons while still being enjoyable to read. Optic's books were immensely popular among young readers, and they helped to shape the genre of children's literature in the United States.
Oliver Optic died on March 27th, 1897, in Boston, Massachusetts. He is remembered as one of the most influential and successful children's authors of his time. His books continue to be beloved by young readers today, and they are considered classics of children's literature.
One interesting fact about Oliver Optic is that he was a prolific writer, producing over 100 books during his lifetime. In addition to his children's books, he also wrote a number of works for adults, including histories, biographies, and travel narratives. However, it is his children's books for which he is best remembered today.
In conclusion, Oliver Optic was a pioneering author and editor in the field of children's literature. His belief that children's books should be both entertaining and educational helped to define the genre in the United States. His most famous works, including his series set in the United States Navy, continue to be beloved by young readers today. Oliver Optic's contributions to children's literature will always be remembered, and his books will continue to inspire young readers for generations to come.
Books by Oliver Optic
Dolly and I: Story for Little Folks
It tells the tale of a young girl named Dolly and her adventures with her doll. Written in the 19th century, this delightful story is a classic of children's literature. First published in 1863, "Dolly and I" is a heartwarming story that will deligh...
Hope and Have; Fanny Grant Among the Indians
Amidst the untamed landscapes of the American frontier, a young heroine's journey unfolds in "Hope and Have: Fanny Grant Among the Indians." Fanny, a spirited and curious soul, finds herself thrust into a world of exhilarating adventure and heart-sto...
Haste and Waste; The Young Pilot of Lake Champlain
Embrace the thrill of adventure and the lessons of hard work and responsibility in Oliver Optic's captivating tale, "Haste and Waste; The Young Pilot of Lake Champlain." Join Will, a young boy eager to prove his worth, as he embarks on a journey fill...
Birthday Party, A Story for Little Folks
Flora Lee's birthday came in July. Her mother wished very much to celebrate the occasion in a proper manner. Flora was a good girl, and her parents were always glad to do any thing they could to please her, and to increase her happiness.This story wa...
Down South or Yacht Adventure in Florida
"Down South" is the fifth and last volume but one of the "Great Western Series." The action of the story is confined entirely to Florida; and this fact may seem to belie the title of the Series. But the young yachtsman still maintains his hold upon...
Up the River
Up the River is the sixth and last of "The Great Western Series." The events of the story occur on the coast of Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, and on the Mississippi River. The volume and the series close with the return of the hero, by a route not...
Boat Club; or, The Bunkers of Rippleton
The Bunkers are a group of rebellious boys who make life miserable for many on the shores of an upstate New York Lake. Captain Sedley's son, Frank, has a run in with the boys and decides to start a boat club for his son and his friends.They learn the...
Rich and Humble; The Mission of Bertha Grant
This is the first story in the Woodville collection of tales about the interesting people in Woodville. As the characters grow, they learn many lessons. This is the story of Bertha Grant and her brother, Richard Grant. One of these siblings is good...
In School and Out; The Conquest of Richard Grant
The second volume of the Woodville Stories contains the experience of Richard Grant, "in school and out." We are sorry to say that Richard had become a bad boy, and was in the habit of getting into the most abominable scrapes, some of which are detai...
Watch and Wait; The Young Fugitives
One soft summer evening, when Woodville was crowned with the glory and beauty of the joyous season, three strangers presented themselves before the Grant family, and asked for counsel and assistance. The party consisted of two boys and a girl, and th...
Work and Win; Noddy Newman on a Cruise
The fourth book of the Woodville Series shares the progress of a boy whose education had been neglected, and whose moral attributes were of the lowest order, from vice and indifference to the development of a high moral and religious principle in the...