Gilbert Patten
Although not well remembered today, dime novels and story papers were truly a phenomenon in American publishing and the reading habits of the American people, particularly the youth of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Hundreds of millions of copies were published. In the days before movies, radio, or television these small story papers and paperback books, sold throughout the country, provided adventure and thrilling amusement every week for only a nickle or a dime. [3] The books and story papers were small, easy to carry and pass around, and bound in cheap paper with colorful covers. [14] Even though they were usually called “dime novels”, most of them sold for a nickel. [1]
Story papers and dime novels first appeared near the beginning of the Civil War, about six years before Gilbert Patten was born in Corinna. Early on the stories were about Indians and winning the West.
Soldiers were an eager audience. The papers and books offered relief from the boredom of camp life. One publishing house, Beadle and Adams, sold over 5 million dime novels during the Civil War. [14] “Bales of the stories were shipped to the military camps each week, and were read to tatters by the romance-loving soldiers. When the lines fronted one another on the eve of battle, the Union and Confederate picketmen—tradition has it—swapped the books in friendly fashion.” [17]
Later the themes of the stories took on a more urban character as life in America changed from post Civil War pioneering to the growing industrial age. [7] By the 1890’s the stories were filled with detectives, cowboys, pirates, and violent criminals. [1]
Several factors influenced the explosion in production of story papers and dime novels.
– Advancements in printing technology made larger printing runs possible.
– The production of cheap paper made printing less expensive.
– Improvements in transportation and shipping made widespread delivery possible.
– Compulsory education led to a significant increase in literacy rates.
– Oil lamps replaced candles so reading later into the night was possible.
– There was great public interest in the Civil War, Indians, and pioneering in the West. [14]
Many authors, even some who were famous for classic literary works, wrote under pen names. High demand made it possible for some authors to earn $200 to $300 for each novel. The concept and tone of dime novels is still with us today in the form of pulp fiction, celebrity gossip magazines, romance paperbacks, horror movies, and true crime television.