Who was the first American author to make a million dollars?

It's difficult to definitively say who was the first American author to make a million dollars, as income records from that era are often incomplete or unavailable. However, some contenders for this title include:

* Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens): While Twain's income was significant throughout his career, it's debated whether he ever reached a million dollars in today's terms.

* Louisa May Alcott: The author of *Little Women* was immensely popular, and her books continued to sell well after her death. She likely earned a substantial sum, although it's hard to confirm if it reached a million dollars.

* Harold Bell Wright: This early 20th-century novelist was known for his religious fiction and achieved widespread success. It's possible he crossed the million-dollar mark during his lifetime.

It's important to note that:

* Inflation: A million dollars in the late 19th or early 20th century is significantly different from a million dollars today.

* Lack of accurate records: Income information for authors from that period is often incomplete, making it challenging to compare their earnings accurately.

Ultimately, pinpointing the first American author to make a million dollars is a difficult task. While the above authors are strong contenders, the exact answer remains elusive.