Frederick Ober was an American naturalist, traveler, and author whose books introduced readers to the landscapes and history of the Caribbean and Mexico. Writing as Frederick A. Ober, he combined firsthand observation with an enthusiasm for exploration. His works include travel narratives, accounts of birds and wildlife, historical biographies, and adventure stories for younger readers.

Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, Ober developed an early interest in birds and natural history. After several kinds of employment and a brief period at agricultural college, he turned increasingly to travel and fieldwork. His journeys included Florida, the Lesser Antilles, and Mexico. Collections and observations from these expeditions contributed to scientific study as well as supplying material for his books.

Camps in the Caribbees and Travels in Mexico record aspects of the regions that most strongly interested him. His historical writing includes biographies of Amerigo Vespucci, Hernán Cortés, and other figures connected with exploration and conquest. These books reflect the assumptions of their period and benefit from thoughtful reading alongside modern scholarship. Ober's varied career brought natural history, travel, and popular historical narrative together for a broad audience.