Gilbert Patten ​

William George "Gilbert" Patten was an American author best known as the author of the "Frank Merriwell" series, the "All-Over Boys" series, and the "Dick Merriwell" series. Patten wrote under various pseudonyms including Burt L. Standish and Bud L. Standish. His adventure and dime novels were extremely popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Quick Facts ​

• He wrote more than 500 novels, largely of the adventure and coming-of-age genres.
• Known for his "Frank Merriwell" series, following an all-American athlete who plays various sports.
• Responsible for some of the first dime novels, appealing to young boys and sparking their interest in reading.
• His works were often serialized, appearing in weekly issues before being published as a complete novel.

Background ​

Patten was born in 1866 in Corinna, Maine. As the son of a Civil War veteran, he grew up hearing stories about the war and it greatly influenced his later work. He attended the University of Maine and after graduating, he began a career in writing. He eventually took on the pseudonym Burt L. Standish and became best known for his Frank Merriwell stories. These stories, initially printed in the dime novel format, gained immense popularity and were later compiled into books. Patten continued writing until his death in 1945. His narrative style, focusing on an all-American hero who displays sportsmanship and fair-play, became a standard for sports-related fiction.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Patten's style of writing was highly descriptive and episodic, often characterized with suspenseful climaxes. His novels, frequently featuring elements of adventure and daring deeds, were targeted towards the young male audience of his time. His works were influential in shaping the boys' adventure genre and his character, Frank Merriwell, continues to be a symbol of all-American youth and sportsmanship.

Notable Works ​

• The Diamond Idol (1898)
• The Island of Surprise (1909)
• Marked for Death (1913)
• The Substitute Millionaire (1921)
• In Spite of All (1924)