Allan A. Macfarlan
Allan A. Macfarlan (1892-1982) was a Canadian author and international camp director known for his contributions to literature focused on camping and Native American culture. He was a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly for his books aimed at boys. Many of his works were illustrated by his wife, Paulette Jameau Macfarlan, and included titles such as "Fun With Brand-New Games" and "Knotcraft: The Art of Knot Tying." Macfarlan’s writings encouraged outdoor exploration and included practical skills such as canoeing, tracking, and first-aid.
Notably, he authored the Boy's Book series, which consists of handbooks covering various outdoor activities, from basic camping skills to Indian lore. His focus on Native American culture is evident in works like "Native American Tales and Legends," which compiles stories from various tribes, enriching readers' understanding of indigenous folklore. While some aspects of his books may be considered outdated today, Macfarlan’s legacy lies in his promotion of outdoor activities and cultural appreciation, impacting a generation of young readers.
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Subject Terms
Allan A. Macfarlan
Writer
- Born: 1892
- Birthplace: Canada
- Died: 1982
Biography
Born in Canada in 1892, Allan A. Macfarlan died in 1982. A fellow in the Royal Geographical Society, he divided his time between serving as an international camp director and writing books for boys about camping and Native American culture. Popular during the 1950’s and 1960’s, most of his books were illustrated by his wife, Paulette Jameau Macfarlan, an illustrator and author. Together they wrote two books, both published by Association Press: Fun With Brand-New Games in 1961 and Knotcraft: The Art of Knot Tying in 1967.
After writing a book for camp directors and scout leaders, Campfire and Council Ring Programs, in 1951, Macfarlan turned his attention toward children. Campfire Adventure Stories, published in 1952, was followed by books about Indian craft and culture as well as books about camping and the outdoors. Living Like Indians: Book of American Outdoor and Trail Activities, is heavily illustrated. According to the cataloging description, it “leads would-be braves on challenging adventures of exploration, voyaging, tracking and trailing.” Safety measures and first-aid are stressed throughout text that includes skills on canoeing, tracking, signaling, storytelling, conservation, and other outdoor sports and skills.
As an author, Macfarlan was best known for the Boy’s Book series. Each of the six titles focuses on one outdoor activity in handbook format. The series was published in 1968 and 1969. The Boy’s Book of Backyard Camping is a handbook on basic camping skills, such as knot typing, first aid, outdoor cooking, and choosing and caring for camping equipment. The Boy’s Book of Outdoor Discovery explores enjoying nature and outdoor activities whether the reader lives in the city or country. Topics include gardening, fishing, kite flying, and observing wildlife. The Boy’s Book of Indian Skills is a handbook on woodlore, hiking, tracking, camping, and other Indian skills. It also provides instructions for making costumes and other tribal implements, although this section would be considered outdated and politically incorrect today.
Macfarlan’s writings also focused largely on Native American skills and legends. Two of these books were reissued as juvenile classics by Dover Publishing in 2001 as Native American Tales and Legends and Native American Indian Legends. Up to ninety stories from a variety of Native American sources are included, covering a range of folklore, from creation myths, hero tales, and trickster stories, to tales of giants, monsters, enchantment, magic, and the spirit world. Tales from Chippewa, Tsimshian, Cherokee, Pueblo, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, and other tribes are included. These books provide a good introduction and general selections for readers interested in Native American tribes and culture.
Macfarlan’s books encouraged outdoor activity and imparted Native American skills and resourcefulness to a generation of youngsters.