1000 Mythological Characters Briefly Described (eBook)

Edward Sylvester Ellis (1840-1916) was a prolific American author who played a significant role in shaping early American youth literature through his wide-ranging output of works which includes adventure stories, historical narratives, and reference works like '1000 Mythological Characters Briefly Described'. Ellis is best remembered for his dime novels that primarily targeted a younger audience, fascinated by tales of the Old West and frontier life, effectively contributing to the romanticizing of American history and the characterization of societal ideals in the 19th century (Robinson, 1939). His books employed a vigorous storytelling style, interspersed with educational material that endeared him to both children and adults alike. While critics often debate the literary merits of his works, Ellis's proficiency and impact in popular literature are incontestable. His ability to weave complex narratives instilled with moral lessons has been acknowledged as a cornerstone of his success (Smith, 1955). Through '1000 Mythological Characters Briefly Described', Ellis demonstrated his scholarly inclination by cataloging an extensive list of mythical figures, making such information accessible to the general reading public. His commitment to producing both entertaining and edifying content remains a testament to his dedication to American literature (Brown, 1971).