Charles M Skinner

Charles Montgomery Skinner, born in 1852, was an American author who dedicated much of his career to documenting the myths, legends, and folklore of North America. Moving from upstate New York to Massachusetts and then Connecticut in his youth, he eventually settled in New York City, working as a journalist for the Brooklyn Times and later as an editor for the Brooklyn Eagle until his death in 1907. Skinner's literary output was extensive, encompassing collections of traditional stories from various regions, including Native American tales, Revolutionary War narratives, and ghost stories. He also explored themes related to nature, urban environments, and socio-economic issues.

Skinner's motivations for collecting folklore stemmed from a desire to preserve traditions threatened by industrialization and to elevate American legends. He sought to blend folklore conventions with New England transcendentalist ideals. Beyond his work in folklore, Skinner also authored plays, wrote about the changing seasons in urban settings, and offered commentary on the economy and social structures of his time. His contributions also included works on natural history and practical guides for urban beautification.

Charles M. Skinner made a significant contribution to the study of American folklore through his extensive collections of myths and legends. He gathered tales from across the United States, its territories, and North America, aiming to preserve these traditions as the nation modernized. Skinner was influenced by New England transcendentalism and hoped to elevate the stature of American legends, seeing them as vital to the nation's identity. His approach was not strictly academic; he included a broad spectrum of stories, from those attributed to Native Americans and historical accounts of the Revolutionary War to a variety of ghost stories. His collections sought to capture the diverse oral traditions of the continent.

Beyond his extensive work in folklore, Charles M. Skinner also demonstrated a keen interest in the natural world, particularly as experienced within urbanizing landscapes. He authored books that explored the changing seasons and offered practical advice on gardening and beautifying city spaces, reflecting a concern for the environment amidst industrial growth. Skinner also engaged with the social and economic currents of turn-of-the-century America, addressing topics such as labor conditions and economic structures in works like 'Workers and the Trusts' and 'American Communes.' His writing also touched upon natural history, offering observations on the world around him.

“as time goes on the figures seen against the morning twilight of our history will rise to more commanding stature.”