Charles E. (Charles Edward) Carryl

Charles Edward Carryl was born in New York City on December 30, 1841, and died on July 3, 1920. He is generally remembered as an American author of children’s literature, especially for Davy and the Goblin and The Admiral’s Caravan.

What makes him especially interesting is that writing was not his only profession. Reliable biographical sources describe him as a businessman and stockbroker as well as a writer, which gives his career an appealing contrast: practical by day, playful on the page. His children’s books are often noted for their fantasy, wordplay, and light, whimsical tone.

Carryl’s work has often been linked with the tradition of Lewis Carroll, but his stories still have their own personality—bright, witty, and warmly old-fashioned. For readers exploring classic children’s fantasy, he stands out as a writer who helped bring literary nonsense and dreamlike adventure into American children’s books.