The Voyage of the Hoppergrass by Edmund Lester Pearson is an engaging adventure novel that follows a group of boys, led by the spirited Sam Edwards, as they embark on a sailing expedition aboard the ship Hoppergrass. The story begins with the boys eagerly preparing for their journey, collecting supplies, and observing the antics of their eccentric captain, Bannister. Their voyage starts with a humorous moment when they chase after a dropped watermelon, setting the tone for the light-hearted and comical nature of the tale.
As they venture out on the river, the crew sets off on a journey full of excitement, humor, and unexpected discoveries. Captain Bannister, a lively character full of tall tales and nautical wisdom, leads them toward uncharted islands, promising plenty of adventures and challenges along the way. With its blend of youthful imagination, daring exploits, and camaraderie, The Voyage of the Hoppergrass captures the thrill of exploration and the strong bonds of friendship, making it a delightful coming-of-age story.
Edmund Lester Pearson (1880–1937) was an American librarian and writer, best known for his contributions to the true crime genre. He gained widespread recognition for his detailed account of the infamous Lizzie Borden murder case, which solidified his place in the genre. Pearson’s writing combined thorough investigative research with captivating storytelling, bringing attention to notorious criminal cases from history.
In addition to his literary work, Pearson had a distinguished career in library science. He began at the Library of Congress in 1906, working in the Copyright Division, and later became the acting librarian of the Military Information Division at the War Department in 1908. From 1906 to 1920, he also wrote a weekly column called "The Librarian" for the Boston Evening Transcript. Pearson authored several books, including The Librarian at Play (1911), a whimsical take on library life, and The Believing Years (1912), his autobiography. He also wrote The Voyage of the Hoppergrass (1912), a humorous adventure novel. Pearson’s work in both true crime and library science left a lasting impact on his fields.
