Image credit: White, E.B., photograph. © Bettmann/Corbis. Gale Biography in Context, 2010
E. B. White was born in New York on July 11, 1899. His father made a comfortable living as a piano manufacturer. White decided to become a writer and attended Cornell University graduating in 1921. He has held various jobs in journalism and advertising throughout his working years. He was hired by the New Yorker Magazine and became contributing editor in 1927. He worked with the New Yorker until his death in 1985 (White, 1998).
In 1929 he married a New Yorker editor named Katharine Angell and they had one son together. E.B. White had written many books for an adult audience before he decided to try his hand at writing children’s books. His first children’s book was published in 1945 and it was a success; Stuart Little well received by its child audience. His next attempt at writing for children was about a subject E. B. White had close to his heart he loved to be on the farm and around farm animals. His most popular children’s book, Charlotte’s Web, was published in 1952. His third children's book was written in the 1970's, Trumpet of the Swan. This was his last children's book before his death in 1985 (White, 1998).
About the Author
E. B. WHITE
About the Illustrator
Photo Credit: Gale Biography in Context,2010
Garth Williams was born in New York on April 16, 1912. Williams had two artistic parents, his father was a cartoonist and his mother was a painter. His parents decided to move their family to England when he was young. While in England he studied architecture, painting, and sculpture (Garth (Montgomery) Williams, 2002).
He moved back to the United States after World War II. Upon his return Williams tried to get a job as a cartoonist for the New Yorker. Unfortunately, he was not hired because of his drawing style (Gussow, 1996). Still searching for a job Williams luck would soon change. The editor of Harper and Row, Ursula Nordstrom, was going to suggest that Garth Williams be the illustrator for Whites first book Stuart Little. E. B. White sent a note with his manuscript for Stuart Little, in the note White stated that he had an illustrator in mind for his book; the illustrator listed on the note was Garth Williams. Williams Illustrated Stuart Little which was a big hit. After the successful launch of his illustration career Williams decided to become a full time illustrator (Gussow, 1996).
In 1952, White and Williams collaborated on Charlotte's Web's illustrations. "He believed that books 'given, or read, to children can have a profound influence.' For that reason, he said, he used his illustrations to try to 'awaken something of importance . . . humor, responsibility, respect for others, interest in the world at large." (Gussow, 1996, para, 4).
Garth Montgomery Williams died of pneumonia on May 8, 1996.
Garth has been the illustrator for many well known and loved children's books. He illustrated for Laura Ingalls Wilder, George Selden, and Margery Sharp. His artwork has had a great impact on many children throughout the world (Garth (Montgomery) Williams, 2002).
Works By E.B White