Arundel, Louis

Kenneth Lewis Roberts (1885–1957) was an American author recognized for his historical novels, which often explored themes of regionalism and early American history. Before his literary career, Roberts worked as a journalist, gaining national attention for his contributions to The Saturday Evening Post. His novels, frequently set in New England, aimed to re-examine historical figures and events, sometimes rehabilitating controversial individuals or causes.

Roberts's writing journey was significantly influenced by novelist Booth Tarkington, who provided editorial assistance. His work garnered critical attention and commercial success, with several novels appearing on bestseller lists and earning him a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation. Beyond his fiction, Roberts engaged in non-fiction writing, including compilations of historical documents and explorations into subjects like dowsing, which drew criticism from the scientific community. His career also included outspoken and controversial stances on immigration policy.

Following his graduation from Cornell University, Kenneth Roberts embarked on a career in journalism, spending eight years with the Boston Post. His service in the U.S. Army during World War I, specifically with intelligence in Siberia, led to post-war opportunities as a European correspondent for The Saturday Evening Post. During this period, he was the first American journalist to report on Adolf Hitler's 1923 Beer Hall Putsch. Roberts found working with Post editor George Horace Lorimer to be a straightforward process, characterized by Lorimer's decisive acceptance or rejection of ideas and generous compensation.

Encouraged by fellow author Booth Tarkington, Roberts dedicated himself to writing historical fiction. Tarkington provided extensive editorial support for Roberts's novels, including "Northwest Passage" and "Oliver Wiswell," which Roberts acknowledged by offering co-writing credit and dedicating the books to him. Roberts's historical novels often focused on presenting a nuanced view of American history, sometimes highlighting figures or movements that were less popular. Examples include his portrayals of Benedict Arnold in "Arundel" and "Rabble in Arms," and a Loyalist perspective in "Oliver Wiswell." His novel "Northwest Passage" centered on Major Robert Rogers and his rangers. Roberts also compiled historical documents, such as journals from Arnold's expedition to Quebec, and co-translated a French account of travel in America.

Roberts held strong and controversial views on immigration, advocating for strict legal restrictions on those from Eastern and Southern Europe and Mexico, expressing fears of a 'mongrelized' American population. His book "Why Europe Leaves Home" contained derogatory remarks about Jewish people. In the 1920s, he also wrote promotional works for the Florida land boom, which later experienced a significant downturn. In the 1940s, Roberts became involved with dowsing, collaborating with Henry Gross to locate resources, documenting this in popular but scientifically criticized non-fiction books. His later work also included a collection of Maine recipes, compiled from reader correspondence, and a history of the Battle of Cowpens.

“I told him my ideas, which he instantly rejected or accepted ... The price to be paid for a story was never discussed, and Lorimer was always generous.”

“If America doesn’t keep out the queer alien mongrelized people of Southern and Eastern Europe, her crop of citizens will eventually be dwarfed and mongrelized in turn.”

“human parasites”

“worthless and futile”

“Or How to Lose Friends and Alienate People”