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Mildred A. Wirt Benson
Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson (July 10, 1905 – May 28, 2002) was an American journalist and writer of children's books. She was best known for ghostwriting the first 23 Nancy Drew mystery novels under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene.
Early Life and Education
Benson was born in Ladora, Iowa, in 1905. She was the younger of two children born to Lillian (Matteson) and Dr. J. L. Augustine. Benson's father was a doctor, and her mother was a teacher. Benson attended Ladora Public Schools and graduated from high school in 1923.
After high school, Benson attended the University of Iowa, where she studied journalism. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1925. Benson then returned to the University of Iowa in 1927 to pursue a master's degree in journalism. She was the first woman to earn a master's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa.
Career
Benson began her career as a journalist. She worked as a reporter for several newspapers in Iowa, including the Ottumwa Courier and the Des Moines Register. In 1930, Benson was hired by the Stratemeyer Syndicate, a publishing house that specialized in children's books.
The Stratemeyer Syndicate was looking for a writer to ghostwrite a series of mystery novels featuring a teenage female detective. Benson was chosen for the job, and she wrote the first Nancy Drew novel, The Secret of the Old Clock, in 1930. The novel was a success, and Benson went on to write 22 more Nancy Drew novels over the next 17 years.
In addition to writing Nancy Drew novels, Benson also wrote other children's books, including the Judy Bolton mystery series and the Cherry Ames series. She also wrote several non-fiction books, including A Girl Scout Leader's Handbook and How to Write a Mystery Story.
Philosophy
Benson was a strong advocate for girls and women. She believed that girls should have the same opportunities as boys, and she encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Benson's Nancy Drew novels were groundbreaking for their time, as they featured a strong and independent female protagonist.
Death and Legacy
Benson died on May 28, 2002, at the age of 96. She is remembered as one of the most prolific and successful children's authors of all time. Her Nancy Drew novels have sold over 80 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 25 languages.
Interesting Facts
- Benson's identity as the ghost writer of Nancy Drew was kept a secret for over 60 years. She did not reveal her identity until 1986.
- Benson was a pilot and flew her own plane.
- Benson was an avid archaeologist and participated in several archaeological digs in Central America.
- Benson was awarded the Edgar Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Mystery Writers of America in 2001.
Conclusion
Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson was a pioneer in children's literature. Her Nancy Drew novels inspired generations of girls to be strong, independent, and adventurous. Benson's legacy continues to inspire and entertain readers of all ages.
Books by Mildred A. Wirt Benson
The Missing Formula
A secret formula that could revolutionize the world... but it's about to fall into the wrong hands. Madge Sterling is a young detective with a knack for solving mysteries. When her new friend, Anne Fairaday, comes to her with a plea for help, Madge...
The Clue of the Silken Ladder
Embark on an enthralling adventure with "The Clue of the Silken Ladder" by Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson. In a small town shrouded in secrets, a group of intrepid young detectives discovers an ancient mystery that defies explanation. The story kicks...
The Wishing Well
In the quaint town of Willow Springs, a forgotten wishing well holds the key to secrets untold. Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson, renowned for her Nancy Drew mysteries, invites readers on a mesmerizing journey with "The Wishing Well." The tale unfolds a...
Swamp Island
Penny Parker, a young and curious reporter, finds herself embroiled in a dangerous mystery when she investigates the case of an escaped embezzler seeking revenge against the reporter who helped convict him. With a fortune of $50,000 missing, Penny mu...
Clock Strikes Thirteen
In "The Clock Strikes Thirteen", Penny Parker, a sharp-witted teen reporter, finds herself embroiled in a double mystery. A strange extra chime on the Hubell Clock Tower at midnight coincides with the replacement of the old caretaker by a shifty deve...
Behind the Green Door
Penny Parker, a fearless young reporter with a knack for solving mysteries, is thrust into a whirlwind of intrigue when her family's Christmas vacation to the Pine Top ski resort is disrupted by a libel lawsuit against her father's newspaper. Penny,...
Secret Pact
Penny Parker, a young and resourceful amateur reporter, witnesses a man being pushed off a bridge and into a river. The victim, despite being rescued, denies the attack, adding to the enigma of the incident. His unique octopus tattoo fuels Penny's cu...
Hoofbeats on the Turnpike
In "Hoofbeats on the Turnpike," Penny Parker, a self-assured and resourceful teenage reporter, investigates a chilling tale of a headless horseman haunting a remote hill community. Penny and her friend Louise encounter eccentric locals, including a s...
Flash Evans, Camera News Hawk
Flash Evans, Camera News Hawk is a children's adventure novel following the exploits of Jimmy 'Flash' Evans, a 17-year-old aspiring photographer working for The Brandale Ledger. The story takes place in the 1940s, just prior to World War II, and exp...
Ghost Beyond the Gate
Penny Parker, an amateur reporter and teen-aged sleuth, finds herself in the midst of a complex mystery when her father, the editor of the local newspaper, mysteriously disappears. As Penny takes on the responsibility of running the newspaper, she un...
Cry at Midnight
Peggy Parker, an amateur sleuth, finds herself drawn into a mysterious and unsettling situation when she and her friend witness an unexplained light and hear a scream coming from an abandoned monastery near their town. Their curiosity leads them to...
Danger at the Drawbridge
In 'Danger at the Drawbridge,' the spirited Penny Parker finds herself embroiled in a perplexing mystery when a groom vanishes just before his wedding at a secluded, ancient estate. Amidst the eerie atmosphere and hidden secrets of the old manor, Pe...
Voice From the Cave
Penny Parker and her father are on vacation with a mysterious woman when they become entangled in a hunt for foreign spies. The trio must use all their skills and resources to track down the spies and prevent them from carrying out their plans.
Signal in the Dark
Penny Parker, a young and ambitious girl, lands a job as a reporter at the Riverview Star during her school break. Eager to prove herself, she faces challenges like a jealous coworker and uncovers a serious case of sabotage at the Conway Steel Plant....
Saboteurs on the River
Join Penny Parker and her companions on a thrilling adventure as they investigate a bridge explosion and uncover a conspiracy. With Burt Ottman falsely accused, Penny embarks on a quest for justice, aided by Noah, an enigmatic old man aboard an Ark....