Ruel Perley Smith

Ruel Perley Smith was a prominent American novelist and newspaper editor, best known for his engaging Rival Camper series of boys' books, which captured the adventurous spirit of youth in early 20th-century America. Born in Bangor, Maine, he carved out a successful career as a newspaper reporter in New York, eventually rising to the position of Night City Editor and Sunday Editor for the New York World during the 1920s. His writing often reflected his Maine roots, with the Rival Camper series, published by L.C. Page & Co., featuring titles such as The Rival Campers, or, The Adventures of Henry Burns (1905) and The Rival Campers Afloat, or, The Prize Yacht Viking (1906). This series not only entertained young readers but also contributed to the genre of boys' adventure literature at the time. In addition to his work for younger audiences, Smith ventured into adult fiction with Prisoners of Fortune: A Tale of the Massachusetts Bay Colony (1924), a pirate-themed narrative that showcased his versatility as a writer. His literary contributions were complemented by his family background; his wife, Ellen Cyr Smith, was an author known for her educational readers, while his sister, Helena Wood Smith, was a painter tragically murdered in California. Smith's legacy lies in his ability to capture the essence of adventure and camaraderie in his stories, leaving a lasting impact on children's literature during his era.