author

Naylor began his writing career by writing short stories that appeared in various newspapers and magazines of the tiem. When seriealized longer stories began to appear, he was a contriutor.

The Ohio State Journal serialized a number of Naylor's stories in the 1890s, including a trilogy of historical novels that were well received. They published in hardback Under Mad Anthony's Banner, the second of the trilogy to appear in the newspaper, in 1899. Today that version is a rarity. In 1901 he submitted his first manuscript for a novel, Ralph Marlowe to Saalfield Publishing Company.  The story reflected the contemporary life of the author - Naylor admitted that the story was autobiographical.  It became a best-seller and remained on The Bookman's List of Best Sellers for six months. Capitalizing on this success, Saalfield printed in hardback the serialized trilogy, Sign of the Prophet in 1901, In  the Days of St. Claire in 1902, and Under Mad Anthony's Banner in 1903. These were followed by The Cabin in the Big Woods, The Kentuckian, The Scalawags, and The Misadventures of Marjory. Naylor’s writings have stood the test of time.

His children were the inspiration for three children's books for older children, Witch Crow and Barney Bylow, The Little Green Goblin, and Dicky Delightful in Rainbow Land.

His works are now in the public domain, and they have been reprinted and made available to a whole new generation of readers by a variety of publishers. Theresa Marie Flaherty, the author of Naylor's biography, has published 4 books in a Tribute Series to Naylor. See the BIOGRAPHY Link for more information.

Tribute Series

Original Dust Jacket