Charles Boardman Hawes

Born in 1889 in Clifton Springs, New York, Charles Boardman Hawes became known for sea stories that mixed action, history, and a real feel for life on the water. He studied at Harvard and later taught before focusing on writing, bringing a sailor’s eye for ships and voyages to his fiction.

His best-known books include The Great Quest and The Dark Frigate, novels remembered for their adventurous plots and strong sense of place. The Great Quest received Newbery Honor recognition, and The Dark Frigate went on to win the 1924 Newbery Medal after his death.

Hawes died in 1923 at just 34, after a short writing career, but his stories continued to find readers. His books still stand out for their brisk storytelling, historical atmosphere, and clear affection for the sea.