James Oliver Curwood was an early 20th century writer who lived in Michigan, where he published several novels a year. Curwood loved the outdoors and is known for his conservation efforts. Curwood's experience of almost being killed by a bear, who decided to let him live has greatly influenced his writings. Curwood believed that his writings would in some part make up for the animals he killed while a hunter. The Gold Hunters published in 1909 takes place in the stark wilderness of the Hudson Bay.
