author

Alexander McAllan

b. 1847

A little-known early 20th-century writer, he published speculative historical works that tried to connect America, mythology, and ancient exploration. The surviving record is sparse, but his books still stand out for their unusual ambition and curiosity.

1 Audiobook

Ancient Chinese account of the Grand Canyon, or course of the Colorado

Ancient Chinese account of the Grand Canyon, or course of the Colorado

by Alexander McAllan

About the author

Alexander McAllan was born in 1847 and is credited as the author of works including Ancient Chinese Account of the Grand Canyon, or Course of the Colorado (1913). Library and book records also connect his name with America's Place in Mythology, Disclosing the Nature of Hindoo and Buddhist Beliefs.

Very little biographical information appears to be readily available beyond those publication records, so it is safest to remember him mainly through his writing. His surviving books suggest an author drawn to big, unconventional ideas about history, religion, and the ancient past.

Because reliable personal details are hard to confirm, a full life story is difficult to reconstruct. Even so, his work reflects the kind of wide-ranging historical speculation that gave some early 20th-century nonfiction its distinctive character.