author
Charles M. (Charles Maus) Taylor
b. 1849
A Philadelphia grain merchant who turned his holidays into vivid travel books, he wrote with the curiosity of a tourist and the eye of a photographer. His work blends practical observation, early camera culture, and a clear delight in seeing the world for himself.
1 Audiobook
Odd Bits of Travel with Brush and Camera
by Charles M. (Charles Maus) Taylor
About the author
Charles Maus Taylor, born in 1849, was an American writer, photographer, and grain merchant based in Philadelphia. Reference sources connected with his public-domain works identify him as a travel writer as well as a photographer, and his books show how naturally those interests fit together.
He is best known for lively travel titles such as Vacation Days in Hawaii and Japan, The British Isles Through an Opera Glass, and Odd Bits of Travel with Brush and Camera. He also wrote Why My Photographs Are Bad, a practical and approachable book that reflects the growing popularity of amateur photography at the start of the 20th century.
What makes Taylor interesting today is the mix in his work: part travel diary, part visual record, and part friendly advice from someone learning by doing. Even when writing about distant places, he tends to keep his tone direct and readable, which gives his books an appealing period charm.