-Burt L. Standish

Gilbert Patten was a prolific author who wrote dime novels using several pseudonyms. Using the name Burt L. Standish, Patten wrote over 200 Frank Merriwell books and several Lucky Locke books. Patton explains the significance of his hero’s name: Frank for his honest character, Merri for his merry disposition, and Well for Frank’s robust good health and remarkable strength - three qualities American boys were strongly urged to acquire. Frank Merriwell is famous for his super-human ability to shrug off injuries that would incapacitate a normal human being. In addition to the numerous books, the Frank Merriwell books were made into a radio show, a movie, and one very short-lived musical.