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Harold Bell Wright was born in Rome, New York on May 4th 1872. Wright had little to say that was good about his alcoholic father and his early years as he dragged'his wife and children from place to place, existing from hand to mouth, sinking deeper and deeper, as the years passed, into the slough of wretched poverty.'His mother though introduced him to the great stories of literature and to appreciate the beauty of nature.When Wright was 11, his mother died and his father abandoned them. Life was now time spent living with various relatives or strangers. He found odd jobs but frequently slept rough. In his late teens he found regular employment painting both pictures and houses but then turned to the Church. After two years at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, Wright became a minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pierce City, Missouri and then pastored in Pittsburg, Kansas; Forest Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri; Lebanon, Missouri; and Redlands, California.In 1902, while at the Church in Pittsburg, Kansas, he wrote a melodramatic story, ‘That Printer of Udell's', to be read to his congregation. His church however serialised and published it in The Christian Century, their official journal. Wright despaired at the version printed but his parishioners encouraged him to write more. He took their advice. His second novel ‘The Shepherd of the Hills'(1907) sold a million copies and established him as a best-selling author.In 1909, pastors across America were incensed by his novel ‘The Calling of Dan Matthews', which told a similar story to Wright's of a young preacher who resigns from the ministry in order to retain his integrity. They saw it as an attack on the Church but he that the Church was not doing its job properly. The book quickly sold a million copies.Wright now resigned as pastor and dedicated his life to full time literature. In 1911, he published ‘The Winning of Barbara Worth', a historical novel set in the Imperial Valley of southeastern California. Another million-seller.With his next novel ‘The Eyes of the World', Wright had the best-selling book of 1914 and another million-seller. He was a literary phenomenon and although today largely ignored he is one of the best-selling writers of all time.From 1914 to about 1933 Wright lived mostly in Tucson, Arizona and then from 1935 until his death in 1944, he lived on his ‘Quiet Hills Farm'near Escondido, California. Between 1902 and 1942 Wright wrote 19 books, several stage plays, and a number of magazine articles. For Wright though health was a major issue and increasingly so. He had struggled for most of his life with lung disease. Harold Bell Wright died of bronchial pneumonia on May 24th, 1944 in Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California.

When in 1925 his first novel „The Son of His Father” was published at the Chicago publishing house, then its circulation took twenty-seven freight cars. The „Son of His Father” was made near the Oracle, and his first show was in Tucson. A great adventure in the desert and mountain world of Arizona and the Mexican border. Adventure lovers will amuse by this novel.

The “partly autobiographical Christian-themed novel... [that] later inspired a young Ronald Reagan to become a Christian” from the bestselling author (Tucson.com). Previously published as That Printer of Udell's, this is the first novel by Harold Bell Wright, one the most successful turn-of-the-century American writers. Many of his books inspired movies, including The Winning of Barbara Worth starring Gary Cooper and The Shepherd of the Hills starring John Wayne. In The Least of These My Brothers, Dick Falkner, on his own since the death of his mother, arrives in the bustling mining town of Boyd City. Poor, homeless, and hungry, he's a printer by trade who lost his job during a Kansas City strike. When a kind print shop owner named Udell gives him a job, Dick lays downs roots in the town, eventually becoming involved in a local church. Dick's hardscrabble past gives his faith a different perspective than that of most Christians, and his philosophy is met with resistance. Nevertheless, he rises as a leader in the community, one whose belief in service and championing of the poor will put him at odds with the city's selfish elite who will stop at nothing to ruin him... “[A] thoroughly good novel.”—The Boston Globe “This novel presents a world that is both frighteningly real and firmly ambitious... the message of Christ is so firmly and wonderfully woven into the story that it makes it sheer joy to read. It's not just about knowing Christ in this novel, but living Him.”—Christian Book Review

Dodo Collections brings you another classic from Bell Wright Harold, ‘The Uncrowned King.'The Uncrowned King is a beautiful allegory about life, religion, and how we perceive it all. Harold Bell Wright was a best selling American author of the first part of the 20th century. Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.

Dodo Collections brings you another classic from Harold Bell Wright, ‘The Winning of Barbara Worth.'Jefferson Worth finds an orphaned child in the desert and raises her as his daughter, Barbara. When grown, Barbara is beloved by Abe Lee, the foreman of her father's ranch and company. When a rich land developer arrives with plans to irrigate the desert, Worth joins forces with him. The developer's foster son, Willard, falls for Barbara and a rivalry develops between him and Abe. The river is dammed, but the developer swindles the ranchers and refuses to reinforce the weakening dam, as he no longer needs it. An angry mob turns on Worth, Willard and Abe come near confrontation over Barbara, and all the time, that dam is getting weaker....'The secret of Harold Bell Wright's power is the same God-given secret that inspired Shakespeare and upheld Dickens.'--Philadelphia Sunday Dispatch'It is this almost clairvoyant power of reading the human soul that has made Mr. Wright's books among the most remarkable works of the present age.'--Oregon Journal

Dodo Collections brings you another classic from Harold Bell Wright, ‘Helen of the Old House.'‘In a solidly American tale, Bell Wright vivifies his characters in palpable surroundings. His narrative makes readers feel as though they are witnesses to the action as it takes place. Against a backdrop of union politics in a factory town, the book takes a strong swipe at Communism while simultaneously decrying corporate greed. Ironically, this work-published in the 1920s-while strongly opposed to Karl Marx's ruinous philosophy never uses the word,'communism.'The repeated references are subtle but unmistakable as when a'foreign'labor-organizing rabble-rouser says that his greatest allegiance is to the'Big Union.'On the other side of the coin, the criticisms of big business are limited to corruption and extreme selfishness. These vices are seen as invidious precisely because they abuse capitalism. The concept of getting rich via hard work is esteemed, as are the virtues of honesty, generosity, and devotion to one's fellow man.'(Amazon Review SF 13/09/02) Harold Bell Wright (May 4, 1872 – May 24, 1944) was a best-selling American writer of fiction, essays, and non-fiction during the first half of the 20th century. Although mostly forgotten or ignored after the middle of the 20th century, he is said to have been the first American writer to sell a million copies of a novel and the first to make $1 million from writing fiction. Between 1902 and 1942 Wright wrote 19 books, several stage plays, and many magazine articles. More than 15 movies were made or claimed to be made from Wright's stories, including Gary Cooper's first major movie, The Winning of Barbara Worth (1926) and the John Wayne film, The Shepherd of the Hills (1941).

Dodo Collections brings you another classic from Harold Bell Wright, ‘The Shepherd of the Hills.'The Shepherd of the Hills is Harold Bell Wright's most famous work. In The Shepherd of the Hills, Wright spins a tale of universal truths across the years to the modern-day reader. His Eden in the Ozarks has a bountiful share of life's enchantments, but is not without its serpents. While Wright rejoices in the triumphs, grace, and dignity of his characters, he has not naively created a pastoral fantasyland where the pure at heart are spared life's struggles and pains. Refusing to yield to the oft-indulged temptation of painting for the reader the simple life of country innocents, Wright forthrightly shows the passions and the life-and-death struggles that go on even in the fairest of environments that man invades. The shepherd, an elderly, mysterious, learned man, escapes the buzzing restlessness of the city to live in the backwoods neighborhood of Mutton Hollow in the Ozark hills. There he encounters Jim Lane, Grant Matthews, Sammy, Young Matt, and other residents of the village, and gradually learns to find a peace about the losses he has borne and has yet to bear. Through the shepherd and those around him, Wright assembles here a gentle and utterly masterful commentary on strength and weakness, failure and success, tranquility and turmoil, and punishment and absolution. This tale of life in the Ozarks continues to draw thousands of devotees to outdoor performances in Branson, Missouri, where visitors can also see the cabin where the real Old Matt and Aunt Mollie lived. Harold Bell Wright was a best selling American author of the first part of the 20th century. Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.

Dodo Collections brings you another classic from Harold Bell Wright, ‘The Eyes of the World.'A romance that takes place among the orange groves of Southern California. This is a morality play whose lessons are as suitable to an artistic society today as they were nearly a century ago. The characters include a portrait painter, a famous novelist, a young violinist, a respected media critic, and several irresponsible art patrons. The story laments the success given to the art that is corrupted by it. The novelist, Conrad LaGrange, professes that his own wealth and popular approval have been bought by calling attention to the indecent, thereby surrendering the dignity of his profession. Wright presents a sordid bunch who captivate us with their pomposity and gossiping harangue. The selfish art patrons are all-too-willing to watch how the artists prostitute their work and to allow their own reproach as long as they can control the power of the artistic transaction. Such is the power one of the patrons, Mrs. Taine, wields when she says to the artist, Aaron King, the following: My influence would insure you a favorable reception from those who make the reputations of men like you. I could have made you the rage. I could have made you famous. Harold Bell Wright was a best selling American author of the first part of the 20th century. Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times. He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.

Dodo Collections brings you another classic from Bell Wright Harold, ‘ The Calling of Dan Matthews.'Wright was motivated to leave the ministry because he realized he could make more money writing fiction. In most of his novels, he attacked the hypocrisy and impractical nature of popular churches. To Wright, hard work, integrity and concrete efforts to aid people in need were far more important than church doctrines or sermons. In 1909, pastors across America were incensed by his third book, The Calling of Dan Matthews, which told the story of a young preacher who, like Wright, resigned from the ministry in order to retain his integrity. The story included the town of Corinth, which was obviously that of Lebanon, Missouri. Several townspeople from Lebanon were highly disappointed in the novel and called it disgraceful. Harold Bell Wright was a best selling American author of the first part of the 20th century. Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times. He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.

When a mysterious stranger seeks employment on an Arizona cattle ranch, he's put to the test to prove his manhood in this classic Western novel. Though his clothes and bearing suggest a life of leisure and genteel breeding, the man who calls himself Honorable Patches has come to Prescott, Arizona, to find work as a cowboy. Inexperienced but full of determination, he's taken on at the Cross-Triangle Ranch, where he learns the trade under the guidance of the foreman, “Wild Horse” Phil Acton. But when the area is targeted by cattle rustlers, Patches finds himself the subject of unwarranted suspicion. Tested by the demanding labor as well as the other cowboys, Patches proves his worth time and again. But as his tumultuous past comes to light, his true reasons for coming west are revealed. First published in 1916, When a Man's a Man is a classic tale of self-discovery on the Western frontier.

The man was from the world beyond the ridges, and his carefully tailored clothing looked strangely out of place in the mountain wilderness. His form stooped a little in the shoulders, perhaps with weariness, but he carried himself with the unconscious air of one long used to a position of conspicuous power and influence; and, while his well-kept hair and beard were strongly touched with white, the brown, clear lighted eyes, that looked from under their shaggy brows, told of an intellect unclouded by the shadows of many years. The people of the Ozarks called him The Shepherd of The Hills and only he can heal a division in the community that no one else is even aware of.

This antiquarian book contains an autobiography of Harold Bell Wright, written at the age of sixty-one for his sons. It describes the most important events of the first thirty years of his life. Wright was America's favourite author during the early twentieth century, his books setting many sales records. His books were also turned into popular movies, and were found in more homes than any other book - except the bible. After a childhood so destitute that it adversely affected his health for his entire life, Bell became an entrepreneur and a minister, and lived a life full of inspiring endeavour against all odds. His is a tale of courage and hope, written beautifully and with the wisdom that comes with such experiences. We are republishing this vintage book now in a modern, affordable edition - complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

A stranger rides into the Ozarks with a secret past and a message of forgiveness in this classic Christian novel—a new edition edited by Michael Phillips.The Shepherd of the Hills tells the classic tale of a stranger who takes the Old Trail deep into the Ozark mountains, many miles from civilization. Learned yet melancholy, he spends his days tending local sheep. And though he lives apart from the townsfolk of Mutton Hollow, he is a friend to one and all. As the story of his tragic past comes to light, so do the lessons of grace and forgiveness bestowed upon us all by the true shepherd.First published in 1907, The Shepherd of the Hills became an instant bestseller and was later adapted into a classic film starring John Wayne and Harry Carey. This edition has been edited by the noted devotional author Michael Phillips.

Harold Bell Wright's timeless tale of a young minister and his wayward flock—in a new edition edited by an acclaimed Christian author.First published in 1909, The Calling of Dan Matthews tells the story of a young minister's coming of age and the challenges he faces as he doggedly seeks to answer God's call. Growing up in the Ozark Mountains, Dan Matthews is deeply devoted to his faith. But when he accepts a post in the Midwestern town of Corinth, he discovers a parish mired in resentment, politics, and hidden agendas. While some troubles stem from well-intentioned but misguided individuals, others are caused by selfish and evil motives. Is it any wonder that the town's beautiful young nurse has no desire to join such a church? Now more than ever, Dan must trust in God's wisdom and grace as he seeks to lead in the spirit of true loving kindness.A Higher Call is a compelling drama that challenges readers to think critically about the modern church.

In this classic Christian Western novel, a stranger brings a message of forgiveness to a remote community in the Ozark mountains. The Shepherd of the Hills tells the classic tale of a stranger who takes the Old Trail deep into the Ozark mountains, many miles from civilization. Learned yet melancholy, he spends his days tending local sheep. And though he lives apart from the townsfolk of Mutton Hollow, he is a friend to one and all. As the story of his tragic past comes to light, so do the lessons of grace and forgiveness bestowed upon us all by the true shepherd. First published in 1907, The Shepherd of the Hills became an instant bestseller and was later adapted into a classic film starring John Wayne and Harry Carey.