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July 20, 2005
Nancy Drew Beginnings
Nancy Drew was created in 1930 by Edward Stratemeyer. Since that time Nancy (a "highly skilled, amateur detective . . . bold and independent, yet gentle and well mannered") aged from 16 to 18 years old and solved more than 350 mysteries.
The Statemeyer Syndicate also created The Hardy Boys, The Bobbsey Twins* and The Rover Boys. At any one time the Syndicate had as many as 22 different series going at the same time! He found most of his writers through ads; unfortunately the writers had to sign away all property rights to get the job. As many of you know, Carolyn Keene was the pseudonym used for the Nancy Drew books.
Unfortunately Mr. Stratemeyer died in May of 1930 before he knew that Nancy Drew would be immensely popular for many, many years. The Syndicate was inherited by the daughters Edna and Harriet. Starting in 1953, Harriet authored 24 volumes; earlier Edna contributed 10 plot outlines for the Nancy Drew series. In 1959, Harriet and several other authors began a 25 year long project to revise the earlier novels. The books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed and the language was updated. (Gone was Nancy's roadster!)
To Be Continued . . .
* First comment with the correct names of The Bobbsey Twins will get a free American Girl History Mystery Book! Note: the comments will be posted after review.
Posted by mysterygamers at July 20, 2005 09:27 PM