Memories from the Homestead: Harold Bell Wright's ‘Furious Five’

On Monday, May 4, 2026, Harold Bell Wright, one of the most successful American authors, would have turned 154. He was born in Rome, New York, in 1872. I've discussed him and his best selling novel "The Shepherd of the Hills," the 1907 release that gave our area its first national exposure, in a number of past columns. Today, I'd like to discuss five of his novels that are now very hard to find.

Harold Bell Wright, born May 4,1872 in Rome, New York, released nineteen novels in nearly 40 years from 1903 to 1942. Here in the Ozarks, he had lived in Pierce City, Missouri, as well as Lebanon, and often visited our area near Garber and Notch from the years 1897 through 1905. (Photo courtesy of The Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park)

I call them the "furious five" simply because they are considered rare among Wright collectors. And when one of these five might show up, collectors are known to get furious when they see the asking price! Wright released 19 books from 1903 to 1942; he was America's first author to sell over a million copies of a single work. I only know a handful of folks who have managed to collect all nineteen books. Here are five titles that are still very sought after among Wright collectors. 

"Long Ago Told: Legends of the Papago Indians"

While Wright and his family lived in Tucson, Arizona, from 1914 to 1935, he had the opportunity to get acquainted with the Papago Indians, a southern branch of the Piman people. Wright was fascinated with their stories and their language. He wrote down their stories; he felt their work ethic matched his personal values, so this book was a result of that. This was Wright's 14th book release. Released in 1929 by Appleton, Long Ago Told sold only 4,257 copies. Because the Great Depression had made money scarce, this book sold very poorly and is believed to be his second rarest book. Reprinted copies often show up on eBay, but are not cheap.

"The Devil's Highway"

If you ever see a copy of this one, you'll notice it's co-authored by John Lebar. That was actually the pen name used by his son Gilbert Wright. As Wright's 16th book, this one is quite different. I'd call it a science fiction/thriller. It's safe to say it's an attack on Nazism, Fascism and Communism, which were taking root at this particular time in our history. In the storyline, a mad scientist uses technology to suppress emotions and conscience. It was Wright's second book to sell very few copies, only 9,639 total copies were sold. Most of the unsold copies were returned by dealers. Wright stated that Gilbert wrote the first draft outline and together they revised it, then he worked alone on the final revision. Gilbert received $15,000, plus motion picture rights that paid $7,500. Harold Bell Wright's royalties totaled $2,336. Reprints came out in the 1990s and also show up on eBay.

"Ma Cinderella"

Wright's 17th novel goes back to the Ozarks setting, which had sold so many books for Wright in the beginning of his career. It sold considerably better, selling 27,451 copies. It's definitely the most common of the "furious five." It covers what Wright's fan base had come to love—simple mountain folk with simple values. Published by Harper & Brothers in 1932, it was also reprinted in the 1990s.

"To My Sons"

Here is Wright's autobiography and philosophy of life, where he tells parts from the first thirty years of his life. This was Wright's 18th book, released in 1934, and is without question the rarest of Wright's works; most collectors consider it the "Holy Grail." First edition copies have sold as high as $2,100 in recent years, with ex-library copies bringing $850. The bottom line here is—this one is VERY hard to find!

"The Man Who Went Away"

Wright spent the last years of his career at a property he called Quiet Hills Farm, near Escondido, California. This is where Wright relocated after leaving Tucson, Arizona, in 1936. Wright was very active in his support to preserve wild life and wilderness areas. The setting of this novel is in the redwood forests of Humbolt County, California.  Exploring spiritual strength and nature preservation, there's definitely a "save the redwoods" campaign message. Many of Wright's fans consider it his finest work. Today it's considered his fourth rarest book. It sold around 10,000 copies, and over thirty years ago, 15,000 copies were reprinted.

Well, this gives you an idea of five works by Harold Bell Wright that are indeed the rarest.  I personally have the other 14 novels and have multiple copies of several. Either way, consider it a great moment when you see a vintage Harold Bell Wright book out there, whether it's online, at a garage sale, or library sale.

One of the best moments that I'm aware of, is a situation that happened at a recent garage sale near Kansas City. A cardboard box of old books was for sale, and in the box was a "signed and numbered" first edition copy of "The Shepherd of the Hills" from July 6, 1907. A gentleman gave 25 cents for it, not knowing really anything about it. A few weeks later, he and his wife came to see us here at the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park to show us their treasure. They let me hold it and photograph it! They turned down all offers to sell it, and I don't blame them.  

Happy birthday, Harold Bell Wright! You still have a lot of fans who treasure your works!