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Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock
This newly annotated edition of Nancy The Secret of the Old Clock
Over 220 detailed footnotes providing historical context and insights into the culture of 1930Comparisons showing differences between the original 1930 text and the 1959 revisionExplanations of outdated terms and referencesNancy The Secret of the Old Clock is the timeless mystery that launched one of the most beloved detective series in history. Originally published in 1930 by Mildred Benson under the pen name Carolyn Keene, this classic tale introduces readers to Nancy Drew, the sharp-witted, independent teenage detective who captivated generations of readers.
This newly annotated edition of The Secret of the Old Clock offers readers a unique opportunity to experience the original 1930s text while diving deeper into its historical and cultural context. With over 220 footnotes, this edition explains outdated words, historical references, and societal norms that shaped the story, making it not only a thrilling mystery but also a valuable exploration of the early 20th century. It also highlights how the character of Nancy Drew has evolved over time, with comparisons between the original version and the later revision.
When wealthy Josiah Crowley dies, his will leaves everything to the arrogant Topham family, but Nancy Drew suspects there’s more to the story. As she unravels the mystery of a hidden will, Nancy’s courage, sharp instincts, and unwavering determination shine through. Her quest leads her to an old clock, a tangled web of secrets, and a race against time to find the missing will before it’s too late.
Readers will follow Nancy’s journey with a deeper understanding of the world she inhabits—its language, its values, and the timeless qualities that make her such an enduring and iconic character.
Why You’ll Love This
A Richer, Deeper Experience: With footnotes explaining the historical and cultural context, this edition offers more than just a mystery—it’s an exploration of the world Nancy Drew first navigated.
Uncover Hidden Details: Discover what’s changed between the original 1930 text and the later versions, and learn what Nancy Drew was originally intended to represent.
Perfect for Fans and New Readers: Whether you’re revisiting Nancy Drew’s first adventure or discovering it for the first time, this annotated edition provides a more complete understanding of the series' origins.
Educational and Engaging: Ideal for readers of all ages interested in both a thrilling mystery and a historical exploration of early 20th-century America.
Order your copy of Nancy The Secret of the Old Clock (Annotated Edition) today, and join Nancy as she solves her first mystery—with a deeper understanding of the world around her!
Over 220 detailed footnotes providing historical context and insights into the culture of 1930Comparisons showing differences between the original 1930 text and the 1959 revisionExplanations of outdated terms and referencesNancy The Secret of the Old Clock is the timeless mystery that launched one of the most beloved detective series in history. Originally published in 1930 by Mildred Benson under the pen name Carolyn Keene, this classic tale introduces readers to Nancy Drew, the sharp-witted, independent teenage detective who captivated generations of readers.
This newly annotated edition of The Secret of the Old Clock offers readers a unique opportunity to experience the original 1930s text while diving deeper into its historical and cultural context. With over 220 footnotes, this edition explains outdated words, historical references, and societal norms that shaped the story, making it not only a thrilling mystery but also a valuable exploration of the early 20th century. It also highlights how the character of Nancy Drew has evolved over time, with comparisons between the original version and the later revision.
When wealthy Josiah Crowley dies, his will leaves everything to the arrogant Topham family, but Nancy Drew suspects there’s more to the story. As she unravels the mystery of a hidden will, Nancy’s courage, sharp instincts, and unwavering determination shine through. Her quest leads her to an old clock, a tangled web of secrets, and a race against time to find the missing will before it’s too late.
Readers will follow Nancy’s journey with a deeper understanding of the world she inhabits—its language, its values, and the timeless qualities that make her such an enduring and iconic character.
Why You’ll Love This
A Richer, Deeper Experience: With footnotes explaining the historical and cultural context, this edition offers more than just a mystery—it’s an exploration of the world Nancy Drew first navigated.
Uncover Hidden Details: Discover what’s changed between the original 1930 text and the later versions, and learn what Nancy Drew was originally intended to represent.
Perfect for Fans and New Readers: Whether you’re revisiting Nancy Drew’s first adventure or discovering it for the first time, this annotated edition provides a more complete understanding of the series' origins.
Educational and Engaging: Ideal for readers of all ages interested in both a thrilling mystery and a historical exploration of early 20th-century America.
Order your copy of Nancy The Secret of the Old Clock (Annotated Edition) today, and join Nancy as she solves her first mystery—with a deeper understanding of the world around her!
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,042 books3,877 followersCarolyn Keene is a writer pen name that was used by many different people- both men and women- over the years. The company that was the creator of the Nancy Drew series, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired a variety of writers. For Nancy Drew, the writers used the pseudonym Carolyn Keene to assure anonymity of the creator.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
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