E. B. White

E.B. White was an American author best known for his contributions to children’s literature and essays. As one of the most famous authors of the past century, he has maintained a legacy of wit, insight, and charm. White is also remembered for his often-humble beginnings and his desire to bring simple stories and language to the masses.

White was born Elwyn Brooks White on July 11, 1899, in Mount Vernon, New York. White originally studied chemical engineering at Cornell University, but quickly realized that his true passion was writing. He went on to write for the alumni magazine, The Cornell Widow. White was later awarded his master’s degree in English from Cornell in 1921 after submitting a collection of his essays.

It wasn’t until White moved to New York City in 1925 that his writing career truly took off. While living in the city, he collaborated on the book "Is Sex Necessary?,” a humorous joint effort with James Thurber. He was also employed as a writer for the street supplier The New Yorker and wrote his first editorial column in 1929.

White is best known for his children’s writing, especially his classic pieces "Charlotte’s Web" and "Stuart Little". Both books explore the curiosity of a child and the importance of loyalty and friendship. His other works for children include poems, stories, and riddles.

White’s impact reached far beyond the children’s literary world. He wrote a wide variety of essays, from "The Loss of the Creature" to "Once More to the Lake". In addition to these works, White published multiple books, including "The Elements of Style", "One Man’s Meat", and "Letters of E.B. White".

Although White died in 1985, his writing still resonates with individuals of all ages. In 2006, The National Endowment for the Arts named him one of the "Studs Terkel Humanities Medal" recipients. His works have also been reinterpreted-- the National Book Award-winning play "Charlotte’s Web" opened on Broadway in 2008 and the animated film adaptation of "Stuart Little" won two Academy Awards in 1999.

E.B. White’s writing left us with a memorable voice that captures our attention and sparks intrigue. Many of his works remain timeless; his poetry, essays, and stories elevate and enrich our understanding of the world. White’s contributions to literature will remain invaluable for generations to come.