Oliver Huckel

Born in 1864, Oliver Huckel was an American writer, translator, and Episcopal clergyman. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania, where he later taught, and he became known for adapting and translating European literature and legend for English-speaking readers.

His books include retellings of medieval and Norse stories as well as volumes of devotional and literary writing. Rather than writing in a dry academic style, he had a gift for presenting older material in a way that felt lively and readable, which helped introduce many general readers to classics, folklore, and poetry from abroad.

Huckel died in 1940. He is still remembered mainly for the range of his literary interests and for the role he played in carrying myth, poetry, and religious reflection from one culture to another for a broad American audience.