Boy from Corinna became the most popular writer of his time

Gilbert Patten, a boy from Corinna, Maine grew up to be the world’s most popular fiction writer of his time.

– Lived in Corinna until 23 years old in 1889

– Wrote hundreds of dime novels read by youth across the country

– Most famous for his 865 stories about the fictional character, Frank Merriwell

– His stories, novels, and dime novels sold over 500 million copies.

In these short posts with pictures read more about this once famous writer born and raised in Corinna, Maine. The sections trace a few of the influences from his life in Corinna that may have contributed to his success.

Click the links below to see the pages. Links at the bottom of the pages will take you forward in the series. Click on the pictures to see larger copies. Use your browser back arrow to return to the text. To send comments or questions use the Contact Me link at the top of the page.

1. WHO WAS GILBERT PATTEN?

2. WHAT ARE DIME NOVELS?

3. PATTEN’S FAMILY AND EARLY LIFE

4. LIFE IN CORINNA

5. BECOMING A WRITER

6. ROLLING THUNDER

7. A RUN-AWAY

8. BROADENING HIS SKILLS

9. WRITING CAREER IS LAUNCHED

10. A PRINT SHOP AND THE CORINNA OWL

11. A SECOND ESCAPE AND LEAVING CORINNA

12. THE MOST POPULAR FICTION WRITER OF HIS TIME

13. INFLUENCE ON AMERICA’S YOUTH

14. REFERENCES

15. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS