Roberts was as interesting and complex as the historical novels he wrote. He was much like the irracible, fiercely independent, principled characters that he described in his novels.
There is very little biographical information available concerning Kenneth Lewis Roberts, particularly concerning his early life. What is known about Kenneth Roberts is that he was born in Kennebunk, Maine, on December 8, 1885. He was the only son of Frank Roberts, a traveling salesman from Boston, and Jane Tibbetts, a member of an old and established Maine family. He spent much of his childhood listening to his grandmother's stories of his ancestors--rugged, courageous sea captains. Many of these characters and stories are reflected in Roberts' historical novels.
Roberts attended Cornell University and wrote for the Cornell Widow while in college. Not only did he write poetry and prose, but he wrote many controversial articles, many criticizing the school's administration. In 1908, Roberts graduated. He wanted to be a writer. However, then, as now opportunities in the literary field were limited. Roberts reluctantly accepted a job as an assistant office boy at a Boston leather firm. But Roberts had no interest in the leather industry and continued to pursue writing with a fierce determination.
Finally in 1909, Roberts joined the staff of the Boston Post. By 1915, Roberts was also writing for Life and Puck magazines. He was writing approximately 12,000 words each week.
In 1918, World War I was raging so Roberts enlisted in the army. He requested and was commissioned as a captain of army intelligence. He served first in Washington, D.C., then requested and was granted a transfer to Siberia in the Military Intelligence Division. Though the army prohibited its personnel from writing for publication, Roberts did write and was published under a pseudonym. Finally Roberts received permission to be published, but his work was subject to censorship.
Just before Roberts went to Siberia, he contacted George Horace Lorimer, editor of the Saturday Evening Post. He proposed an article to Lorimer about his upcoming experience in Siberia. Lorimer agreed to publish it. This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and professional relationship between Lorimer and Roberts. Upon Roberts return from Siberia, and the end of his military career, he went to work for Lorimer. From 1919 to 1937, he wrote for the Saturday Evening Post, as well as published ten books based on these same articles.
