Picture a Canadian-born adventurer who turned his globe-trotting escapades into thrilling tales for young readers—meet Willard Price! Born in 1887, Price wasn’t just a writer; he was a journalist, naturalist, and explorer who circled the world three times and visited 148 countries. His beloved Adventure series, packed with daring animal-capturing quests, sparked a love for reading and nature in generations of kids.
Price’s stories weren’t just page-turners; they were windows into exotic locales and wild creatures, blending heart-pounding action with natural history lessons. From the Amazon’s jungles to the Arctic’s icy expanses, his books invited readers to explore the world alongside teenage zoologists Hal and Roger Hunt. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting legacy of this remarkable storyteller!
The Making of Willard Price
Willard DeMille Price was born on July 28, 1887, in Peterborough, Ontario, to a devout Methodist family. At four, a canoeing trip with his father on Stony Lake ignited his lifelong thirst for adventure. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio, he attended Western Reserve University, funding his degree by writing ads for local businesses. Instead of entering a seminary as expected, Price preached as an unordained pastor, then pursued a doctorate at Columbia University. His time in London’s Southwark settlement house sharpened his social awareness, inspiring him to become a 'social worker with a pen.' By the 1930s, he was a foreign correspondent in Japan, possibly spying for the U.S., and documenting his travels for National Geographic and the American Museum of Natural History.
Willard Price’s Unforgettable Stories
Price’s Adventure series, launched in 1949 with Amazon Adventure, spans 14 novels published until 1980. The series follows brothers Hal and Roger Hunt, teenage zoologists collecting exotic animals for their father’s Long Island collection, destined for zoos and circuses. Each book blends thrilling plots with vivid natural history, set in far-flung locales like Papua New Guinea, Kenya, and the South Seas. In South Sea Adventure (1952), the brothers hunt pearls and rare sea creatures while dodging treacherous foes. Underwater Adventure (1954) sees them scuba diving for sunken treasure, battling sharks and a greedy rival. Cannibal Adventure (1970) explores Papua New Guinea’s dangers, from man-eating crocodiles to vengeful enemies.
Price’s writing style is action-packed yet educational, weaving facts about animal behavior and ecosystems into gripping narratives. His goal was clear: make reading exciting to hook young readers while fostering a love for wildlife. Though some attitudes in the books reflect the 1950s’ colonial lens, Price acknowledged decolonization, albeit imperfectly, and his stories remain thrilling. The series’ vivid villains, like the cunning 'Reverend' Merlin Kaggs, and recurring allies, like tracker Joro, add depth to the Hunts’ global quests.
Why Willard Price Matters
Willard Price’s Adventure series left an indelible mark on children’s literature, inspiring authors like Anthony Horowitz, who credits Price’s formula—action, strong characters, and page-turning plots—as a blueprint for his Alex Rider books. Readers worldwide wrote to Price, sharing how his stories opened their eyes to books and natural history. By 2006, the series’ copyrights fetched a six-figure sum, a testament to its enduring appeal. In 2012, Anthony McGowan revived the series with four new books featuring Hal and Roger’s children, shifting the focus to conservation.
Price’s legacy as a conservationist shines through his advocacy for wildlife appreciation, encouraging readers to value animals without harming them. His books remain a thrilling bridge to understanding the natural world, proving that adventure and education can coexist.
- Born: July 28, 1887, Peterborough, Ontario
- Key Works: Amazon Adventure, South Sea Adventure, Underwater Adventure, Cannibal Adventure
- Travels: Visited 148 countries, circled the globe three times
- Notable Fact: Possibly spied for the U.S. while in Japan
Ready to embark on a wild journey? Snag Amazon Adventure and dive into Willard Price’s thrilling world of exploration and wildlife!