The Strange Schemes of Randolph Mason

Melville Davisson Post is an American writer who was born in Harrison County, West Virginia. Although his name may be unfamiliar to those outside of professional circles, several of his collections are still in print, and his contributions appear in many detective fiction anthologies. Uncle Abner, Post's most renowned character, is a West Virginia backwoodsman who solves mysteries and upholds justice. The 22 Uncle Abner stories, written between 1911 and 1928, have been termed "the finest mysteries ever written". Other regular characters include attorneys Randolph Mason and Colonel Braxton, as well as detectives Sir Henry Marquis and Monsieur Jonquelle. His usual output amounted to approximately 230 volumes, including some non-crime novels. Post was born on April 19, 1869 in Harrison County, West Virginia, as the son of rich farmer Ira Carper Post and Florence May (n e Davisson). Post's ancestors arrived in the Clarksburg, West Virginia area in the late 18th century. Post earned his law degree from West Virginia University in 1892 and was elected to the Electoral College as the youngest member. He practiced law for a corporation in Wheeling, West Virginia, but became disillusioned in politics and instead focused on literature.