Oliver Optic
William Taylor Adams, pseudonym Oliver Optic, was an academic, author, and a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army: A Story of the Great Rebellion
Caught in a nation torn apart, a young boy's fiery spirit is ignited by war, leading him on a collision course with divided loyalties and the harsh realities of battle.
By Oliver Optic
On The Blockade
A young commander must navigate treacherous waters and deceitful shipmates in order to stop enemy supplies from reaching shore during the Civil War.
By Oliver Optic
Poor and Proud; Or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn: A Story for Young Folks
A young girl, facing poverty and her mother's illness, must find a way to provide for her family without losing her sense of self-worth.
By Oliver Optic
The Christmas gift : $b A story for little folks
When a group of children chooses to forego their own presents to assist a struggling widow and her family, they discover the true meaning of Christmas through selfless giving.
By Oliver Optic
Haste and Waste; Or, the Young Pilot of Lake Champlain. A Story for Young People
** A teenage pilot faces treacherous storms and family challenges as he pursues his dreams of mastering the waters and commanding a steamboat.
By Oliver Optic
Fighting Joe; Or, The Fortunes of a Staff Officer. A Story of the Great Rebellion
Amidst the Civil War, a Union officer's journey through perilous missions and unexpected battles tests his loyalty, courage, and moral fiber.
By Oliver Optic
Stem to Stern; or, building the boat
On the gentle waves of Lake Champlain, an epic battle of wills begins when dreams of boat building clash with a local bully.
By Oliver Optic
Brave Old Salt; or, Life on the Quarter Deck: A Story of the Great Rebellion
A young officer's celebration turns swiftly to peril as he sets sail during the Civil War, facing questionable loyalties and dangerous secrets aboard his ship.
By Oliver Optic
A Victorious Union
A brave first lieutenant risks everything on a dangerous mission to outwit a swift blockade-runner and aid the Union cause during the Civil War.
By Oliver Optic
The Birthday Party: A Story for Little Folks
A young girl's birthday party becomes more than just a celebration, teaching her valuable lessons about generosity and family, with a surprising twist that brings everyone closer together.
By Oliver Optic
Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright
A fearless boy's selfless rescue leads him on an adventure where he must defend his family's honor and fortune.
By Oliver Optic
Dolly and I: A Story for Little Folks
Witness how the destructive power of jealousy unfolds as two sisters learn valuable lessons about kindness and the joy of giving.
By Oliver Optic
Asiatic Breezes; Or, Students on The Wing
Young sailors must navigate both treacherous waters and a cunning pirate as they strive for knowledge and brave adventure on the high seas.
By Oliver Optic
Ready About; or, Sailing the Boat
A determined young student must choose between his dedication to duty and the allure of reckless adventure with old friends.
By Oliver Optic
All Adrift; Or, The Goldwing Club
A fired young waiter buys a cursed sailboat and forms a club with his friends, hoping to turn his misfortune into a series of daring adventures and lasting friendships.
By Oliver Optic
Field and Forest; Or, The Fortunes of a Farmer
In a rugged American landscape, a young boy must summon his courage and cunning to reclaim what was stolen and prove his place in a dangerous world.
By Oliver Optic
Make or Break; or, The Rich Man's Daughter
In a bustling city, a barber's adopted son must rise to the occasion when sudden hardship strikes his family, while a pompous clerk faces conflict.
By Oliver Optic
Our Standard-Bearer; Or, The Life of General Uysses S. Grant
Discover how a young man's strong character and military brilliance made him a celebrated general and a key figure in shaping the nation after a devastating war.
By Oliver Optic
Plane and Plank; or, The Mishaps of a Mechanic
A young carpenter's quest to learn his trade becomes a tough test of character when he encounters swindlers and temptations.
By Oliver Optic
A Lieutenant at Eighteen
Amidst the turmoil of war, a young officer and a distressed woman navigate danger to defend their values and protect what they hold dear.
By Oliver Optic