Charles Hawes, American historian and author (d. 1923)

Charles Boardman Hawes (January 24, 1889 – July 16, 1923) was a notable American writer revered for his captivating fiction and nonfiction works centered on the sea. His brief yet impactful career left a significant mark on American literature, particularly in the realm of historical adventure for young readers.

A Brief but Brilliant Literary Career

Born in Massachusetts, Charles Boardman Hawes developed a profound connection with the ocean, which became the predominant setting and theme for his literary endeavors. He specialized in "sea stories," a genre that vividly portrays nautical life, maritime adventures, and historical voyages, often steeped in historical authenticity. Despite his prolific imagination, Hawes’s career was tragically cut short by his sudden death at the remarkably young age of 34. This untimely passing occurred in July 1923, the very year his most acclaimed work, The Dark Frigate, was published.

Throughout his short life, Hawes completed five distinct books, a testament to his dedication and creative energy, primarily focusing on historical narratives:

• The Mutineers (1920)
• The Black Buccaneer (1920)
• The Great Quest (1921)
• The Gloucester Branch of the American Merchant Marine Library Association and Its Work (1922) - a nonfiction piece detailing library services for merchant mariners
• The Dark Frigate (1923)

His earliest novels, including The Mutineers and The Great Quest, established him as a master of authentic nautical detail and thrilling adventure, paving the way for his magnum opus.

Newbery Medal Recognition for The Dark Frigate

Charles Boardman Hawes achieved a monumental distinction by becoming the first U.S.-born recipient of the prestigious Newbery Medal. This annual literary award, established in 1922 by the American Library Association, is one of the highest honors in American children's literature, recognizing the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in the preceding year.

Hawes's third historical novel, The Dark Frigate, published in 1923, was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1924. This gripping tale immerses readers in the treacherous world of seventeenth-century piracy and maritime adventure. It follows a young English boy, Philip Marsham, who unexpectedly finds himself embroiled with a crew of buccaneers on the high seas. The novel is celebrated for its historical accuracy, intricate plot, and rich character development, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers and stand as a benchmark in children's historical fiction.

A Legacy Compared to Literary Giants

The impact of Charles Boardman Hawes's work was profound, particularly given his brief career. In 1925, during the review of the Charles Boardman Hawes Memorial Prize Contest, The New York Times lauded his contribution, observing that "his adventure stories of the sea caused him to be compared with Stevenson, Dana and Melville." This comparison is highly significant, placing Hawes among some of the most revered figures in English and American literature known for their powerful sea narratives:

• Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894): The Scottish novelist and poet, celebrated for adventure classics like Treasure Island and Kidnapped. Stevenson's masterful ability to craft thrilling plots and memorable characters in maritime settings resonates strongly with Hawes's own style, particularly their shared capacity for evoking a sense of high adventure and peril on the open ocean.
• Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815–1882): An American lawyer and politician, best known for his memoir Two Years Before the Mast. Dana's work provided an unparalleled, authentic account of a sailor's life at sea during the 19th century, valuing realism and experiential detail that Hawes also sought to achieve in his historically accurate descriptions of ships and seafaring.
• Herman Melville (1819–1891): The iconic American novelist, essayist, and poet, whose masterpiece Moby-Dick remains a cornerstone of world literature. While Melville delved into profound philosophical and psychological depths of maritime life, Hawes's work, though more straightforward in its adventure, shared a similar commitment to capturing the essence and challenges of life at sea, highlighting a shared mastery of the ocean as a powerful narrative force.

The Charles Boardman Hawes Memorial Prize Contest itself was established to honor his literary legacy and encourage new works of children's literature, particularly those reflecting the adventurous spirit and historical depth found in Hawes's own writings, ensuring his influence continued to inspire future generations of authors and readers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Boardman Hawes

Who was Charles Boardman Hawes?

Charles Boardman Hawes (1889–1923) was an American author primarily known for his historical novels and adventure stories set at sea. Despite his untimely death at age 34, he completed five books and became the first U.S.-born winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal.

What is the Newbery Medal?

The Newbery Medal is an annual literary award presented by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in the United States during the preceding year. It is considered one of the most significant awards in children's literature.

Which of Charles Boardman Hawes's books won the Newbery Medal?

His third historical novel, The Dark Frigate (1923), was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1924. This acclaimed novel recounts the thrilling adventures of a young English boy among pirates in the 17th century, renowned for its historical accuracy and engaging narrative.

How did Charles Boardman Hawes's work compare to other famous authors?

Critics, including The New York Times, frequently compared his authentic and thrilling sea adventure stories to those of renowned literary figures such as Robert Louis Stevenson (author of Treasure Island), Richard Henry Dana Jr. (author of Two Years Before the Mast), and Herman Melville (author of Moby-Dick), underscoring the high quality and enduring impact of his maritime narratives.