author
Leslie W. Quirk
b. 1882
An early 20th-century American writer and editor, he is best remembered for lively books for younger readers and for a practical guide to writing short fiction. His career also stretched into education and magazine work, giving his writing a clear, useful style.
1 Audiobook
The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High
by Leslie W. Quirk
About the author
Born in Alta, Iowa, in 1882, Leslie W. Quirk later grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. A University of Wisconsin graduate, he began his career in publishing and editing before building a body of work that included juvenile fiction, sports stories, and writing advice.
Quirk wrote books such as Baby Elton, Quarter-Back, Midget Blake, Pitcher, and The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High, and he is also known for How to Write a Short Story. His fiction often drew on school life, athletics, and adventure, making it a good fit for young readers of the early 1900s.
Archival and library records also point to a wider professional life: he worked in editorial roles, served in France during World War I as a driver, and later held education-related positions in California. He died in 1960, leaving behind a varied career that connected storytelling, teaching, and practical writing.