Charles Asbury Stephens (1844–1931) was an American author and physician best known for his extensive contributions to the popular periodical The Youth's Companion. Born in Norway, Maine, Stephens initially pursued higher education at Bowdoin College starting in 1866. However, financial difficulties forced him to withdraw before completing his degree. To protect his family from potential embarrassment should his literary ambitions fail, he chose to write under the name "Stephens."
Despite his early financial struggles, Stephens achieved remarkable success as a professional writer. He secured a long-term contract with The Youth's Companion, eventually becoming the publication's most popular and prolific contributor. Over the course of his career, Stephens estimated that he penned approximately 3,000 short stories, alongside numerous articles.
Recognizing his value to the magazine, The Youth's Companion sponsored Stephens's medical education so that he could serve as a staff physician and write authoritative scientific articles. He successfully earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Boston University in 1887. This unique arrangement allowed him to blend his literary talents with scientific expertise, securing his legacy as a versatile and enduring voice in late 19th and early 20th-century American youth literature.
