'Encyclopedia Brown' author Donald Sobol dies in Florida at 87

[KG]

By Craig Pittman, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Jul 16, 2012 02:33 PM

Smarter than the Hardy Boys and wittier than Nancy Drew, Encyclopedia Brown solved mysteries for nearly 50 years and never charged more than a quarter. Although born in 1963, Brown remains forever 10.

His creator, Donald J. Sobol, arguably the most successful unknown author in Florida, has died at age 87.

Sobol, a former New York newspaper reporter and a onetime buyer for Macy's, moved to Miami in 1961 and two years later created one of the most enduring characters in children's literature with Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective....


http://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/encyclopedia-brown-author-donald-sobol-dies-in-florida-at-87/1240576

‎'Encyclopedia Brown' and 'Mad Scientists Club' - my two favorite books from my Elementary School days...

[bluesbassman]

1. Sad news. Both my son and daughter read those books.

RIP Mr. Sobol.

[CBGLuthier]

2. I enjoyed those stories many years ago. They actually challenged you to think.

[WillParkinson]

3. I loved Encyclopedia Brown...

And Sally. Rest in peace, sir.

[Aristus]

4. I loved the Encyclopedia Brown mysteries.

And I had a huge crush on Sally Kimball. As a smart kid, although not as smart or observant as Brown, I got pushed around a lot. Having my own Sally Kimball would have been great.

RIP Donald Sobol. I seem to remember reading years ago that he had been a retired police detective. I guess I read it wrong. Another thing I don't have in common with Encyclopedia Brown...

[mrmpa]

5. Every time I went to the library.......

I would check out any Encyclopedia Brown book that was available.

[Bryan]

6. RIP. I loved his books in grade school.

...even though I could never guess the solutions correctly.

It's funny. I haven't thought about those books in a long time, but if I had to identify the one writer who cemented my lifelong status as a mystery fan, it would be Mr. Sobol.

[pokerfan]

7. They were good stories

Solid mysteries. I remember this one:

A mystery where one kid with a cast on his left arm is accused of stealing some keys, and in fact they're found in his pants pocket in his locker. However, the "proof" that he didn't do it is found in that the keys are in his left pocket, and, according to Encyclopedia, it's impossible to put keys in the opposite pocket of the hand they're in while running, as Bugs Meany claims happened. It might be more difficult for some than others, and there would be very little logical reason to do so, but it's certainly not impossible for everyone.

I like to think that he grew up to be Columbo.