The Forest of Swords

Joseph Alexander Altsheler, an influential figure in juvenile historical fiction, crafted a remarkable body of work that includes fifty novels and over fifty short stories. His career began as a newspaper reporter and editor, with significant roles at the Louisville Courier-Journal and the New York World. Altsheler's transition to writing children's stories stemmed from a need for engaging content for the magazine he edited. His Kentucky roots and educational background at Liberty College and Vanderbilt University shaped his storytelling, reflecting a rich historical perspective.