Stratemeyer, Edward (1862-1930), was an American author who created some of the most popular characters in children’s literature. About 1903, he founded the Stratemeyer Syndicate, which employed a staff of authors who wrote many of the books. Stratemeyer wrote—or outlined for others to write—over 800 children’s books that were published under more than 60 names.
Stratemeyer’s best-known books are adventure stories that feature teenage characters. Under the name Franklin Dixon, he and other writers authored books about the Hardy Boys. Other collectively written series include the “Tom Swift” books by Victor Appleton and the “Bobbsey Twins” series by Laura Lee Hope. Just before his death, Stratemeyer created the character Nancy Drew, whose stories were published under the collective pen name Carolyn Keene. Stratemeyer was born on Oct. 4, 1862, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He died on May 10, 1930.
