E B White

Elwyn Brooks White, born in 1899, was an American author widely recognized for his contributions to children's literature and his insightful essays. He penned beloved books such as "Stuart Little," "Charlotte's Web," and "The Trumpet of the Swan," with "Charlotte's Web" consistently ranking as a top children's novel in surveys. White also played a significant role in refining English prose as the co-author of "The Elements of Style," a foundational guide for writers. His career began after graduating from Cornell University, where he adopted the nickname "Andy." He worked for various news services and publications, eventually becoming a key figure at The New Yorker magazine for nearly six decades. White's writing often explored themes of civil rights, limited government, and world federalism, delivered with exceptional clarity and wit. He received numerous accolades throughout his life, including a special Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, before his passing in 1985.

Throughout his career, White demonstrated a profound appreciation for language and the natural world, influenced by his early life and education. His essays, particularly those for The New Yorker, offered sharp observations on society and culture. He was known for his reserved nature, preferring a quiet life away from public attention, a characteristic noted by fellow writer James Thurber. Despite his shyness, White's work resonated deeply with readers, earning him lasting recognition and a dedicated collection at Cornell University Library. His legacy continues through awards that honor read-aloud literature, reflecting his enduring impact on readers and writers alike.

E. B. White was a prolific American writer, essayist, and editor, best known for his enduring children's books and his meticulous approach to language. His iconic children's works, including "Stuart Little" (1945), "Charlotte's Web" (1952), and "The Trumpet of the Swan" (1970), have captivated generations. "Charlotte's Web" in particular has been consistently recognized as a premier children's novel. Beyond fiction, White was instrumental in shaping English usage as a co-author of "The Elements of Style," a seminal guide for writers, first published in 1918 and significantly updated by White in 1959. His prose was lauded by contemporaries like Kurt Vonnegut, who described him as one of the country's most admirable prose stylists. White's essays, often published in The New Yorker, were characterized by their clarity, wit, and thoughtful advocacy for issues such as civil rights and world federalism.

Born Elwyn Brooks White in Mount Vernon, New York, on July 11, 1899, he was the youngest of six children. His father led a piano firm, and his mother was the daughter of a Scottish-American painter. White's early education was influenced by his older brother, Stan, who taught him to read and fostered his exploration of nature. White attended Cornell University, where he briefly participated in the Student Army Training Corps during World War I. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned the nickname "Andy," a Cornell tradition for male students named White. During his university years, he served as editor of The Cornell Daily Sun and was involved in several campus organizations.

Following his graduation, White embarked on a journalistic career, working for United Press and later as a reporter for The Seattle Times. After a brief period in advertising, he began submitting work to The New Yorker in 1925. He eventually joined the magazine's staff in 1927, contributing essays and his signature "Notes and Comment" pieces for nearly six decades. His "Newsbreaks," witty observations on peculiar printed items, became a notable feature. White also served as a columnist for Harper's Magazine from 1938 to 1943. In 1929, he co-authored "Is Sex Necessary?" with James Thurber. His 1949 essay "Here Is New York," later expanded into a book, reflected his deep affection for the city, noting its ability to provide both solitude and privacy.

E. B. White married Katharine Angell in 1929, with whom he had a son, Joel. Katharine's son from a previous marriage, Roger Angell, also became a notable editor and writer for The New Yorker. White was known for his reserved personality, often avoiding public attention and interviews, a trait observed by his friend James Thurber. He expressed a profound love for the world, stating, "All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world." White developed Alzheimer's disease later in life and passed away on October 1, 1985, at his home in Maine. His legacy is honored through initiatives like the E. B. White Read Aloud Award and the extensive E. B. White Collection housed at Cornell University Library.

“Just say the words.”

“Writing is never 'fun'”

“All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world.”

“too small a heart, too large a pen”