In the field of series books Edward Sylvester Ellis (1840-1916) was certainly one of the most prolific authors I have encountered. Besides writing more than 150 books for juveniles-most of which were in series form- he wrote several hundred other works -historical, nonfiction, dime novels etc.
Denis R. Rogers assembled a several hundred page manuscript years ago which to the best of my knowledge was never published. It includes sections on his dime novels , pseudonyms, works (both major and minor) and other pertinent items about Edward Ellis. I have yet to see a more comprehensive work on any juvenile author from this ear (mid-19th-mid-20th century).
Here are some details about Ellis' life. These come from Rogers' work. He was born in 1840 in Geneva, Ohio. Clearly his family moved during his youth since he graduated from New Jersey Normal School in Trenton in about 1860. He began his career as a school teacher in Red bank, New Jersey. After early success, in particular as a dime novel writer, he gave up teaching to become a full time writer. This was in 1874.
In addition to the books Ellis wrote for motion pictures and also penned several musicals.
HIs juvenile books were published by a virtual who's who of publishing houses. Although Porter and Coates was a mainstay, numerous others published his first and later editions-Price-McGill, Merriam, Cassell, Dana Estes,Hurst, George M. Hill and many many more.
I will be reviewing some of his series as time goes on.
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