A Struggle for a Fortune

Fosdick, writing as Harry Castlemon, became a prominent figure in juvenile literature, particularly for boys, during the golden age of children's literature. His experiences in the Union Navy during the Civil War greatly influenced his storytelling, leading to early works like "Frank on a Gunboat" and "Frank on the Lower Mississippi." Born in New York, he began writing as a teenager and quickly rose to be the most popular author for young readers in the post-Civil War period, showcasing adventure and camaraderie in his narratives.