Joseph A. Altsheler was probably the most popular American author of boys" fiction in the first half of the twentieth century. Although his peak of popularity is past, his novels are frequently listed on ebay and find a ready audience. New printings of his most popular novels are still being issued. Despite his popularity, there has never been a collection of his short stories until now. Many of these short stories are of historical and literary interest to a general and academic audience, particularly in Kentucky where many of his stories are set. The contents of At the Twelfth Hour reflect original research about Altsheler"s fiction, as well as nine of his best stories.