Who was David Grayson?

Many people today do not know who David Grayson was, but in the early 20th century he was one of the most famous writers in the country. His work featured tales of his simple, rural life in Amherst, Massachusetts which appealed to people across the country. He first wrote essays that were published in The American Magazine and, due to their popularity; these essays were then compiled into books including Adventures in Contentment, A Gift of Friendship, In Search of the Simple Life, and Adventures of David Grayson.

However, the name David Grayson was actually a pseudonym and for years fans across the country were fascinated with trying to guess who the ‘real David Grayson’ was.  One reporter declared it the “great literary mystery of the decade.” One hundred years ago, in March 1916, Grayson’s true identity was revealed. In this exhibit, letters, brochures, and newspaper clippings will take you through the years leading up to and following the announcement.

You can borrow his books from the Jones Library.

Who was David Grayson?