Sam Epstein
Sam Epstein was an American author born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1909. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1932 and had a diverse career, which included roles in publicity, teaching, and technical writing for the U.S. Army. Epstein's most notable work was as a co-author with his wife, Beryl M. Williams, on numerous nonfiction books aimed at young adults. Together, they contributed to well-known children's book series such as the Real Books, All About, and First Book series, covering a broad range of subjects, including notable biographies of figures like Harriet Tubman and Winston Churchill, as well as science topics like electricity and prehistoric animals. Epstein also created the Ken Holt mystery series under the pseudonym Bruce Campbell, although it is believed that Beryl played a significant role in editing and shaping these works. The couple's collaborative writing style allowed their diverse voices to blend seamlessly. Sam Epstein passed away on January 21, 2000, just weeks after the death of his wife, marking the end of a significant partnership in children's literature.
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Sam Epstein
Writer
- Born: November 22, 1909
- Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts
- Died: January 31, 2000
- Place of death: Southold, New York
Biography
Sam Epstein was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1909. He attended schools in a variety of locations including New York City; New Brunswick, New Jersey; and West Palm Beach, Florida. He later attended Rutgers University, graduating in 1932. Following graduation, Epstein held a number of different jobs, including writing publicity for an engineering firm, teaching at the New York State Training School for Boys, editing at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and technical writing for the U.S. Army.
In 1937, he began working and collaborating with his fiancé, Beryl M.Williams, on assorted writing projects. The two were married in April, 1938, and continued to write together. The Epsteins were prolific authors of nonfiction books for young adults. They contributed numerous titles to several children’s book series, including the Real Books, All About, and First Book series. These series and other books included a multitude of biographies about Harriet Tubman, Charles de Gaulle, George Washington Carver, Paul Revere, Margaret Mead, Winston Churchill, and many other subjects. The Epsteins wrote other nonfiction books on a number of science-related topics such as electricity, prehistoric animals, and submarines.
While Epstein and his wife had very writing styles, they took turns writing chapters and editing each other’s work, enabling their styles to blend together. In addition to the books he wrote with his wife, Epstein created and wrote the popular Ken Holt mystery series under the pseudonym Bruce Campbell. However, his wife, Beryl, is believed to have edited these books and may have contributed ideas and plot points. About seven weeks after Beryl Epstein’s death, Sam Epstein died on January 21, 2000.