E.B White

Elwyn Brooks White (1899–1985), widely known as E.B. White, was an influential American writer, essayist, and author of classic children’s literature. Born on July 11, 1899, in Mount Vernon, New York, White developed an early love of reading and writing. He attended Cornell University, where he contributed to the student newspaper and cultivated the literary skills that would define his career.

White began his professional life as a journalist, joining the staff of The New Yorker in 1927. Over decades, he became renowned for his elegant prose, keen observation, and gentle humor. His essays and editorial pieces, marked by clarity and wit, earned him recognition as one of America’s most beloved essayists.

In addition to his journalistic work, White achieved lasting fame as a children’s author. His classic books, including Stuart Little (1945), Charlotte’s Web (1952), and The Trumpet of the Swan (1970), remain staples of children’s literature. Charlotte’s Web, in particular, is celebrated for its warmth, emotional depth, and exploration of friendship, life, and mortality through the story of a pig named Wilbur and his spider friend, Charlotte. White’s writing for children is distinguished by its simplicity, gentle humor, and ability to convey profound truths in an accessible manner.

White’s influence extended beyond children’s literature. He co-authored the widely used style guide The Elements of Style with his former teacher William Strunk Jr., a work that has shaped generations of writers with its principles of clarity, precision, and brevity.

White passed away on October 1, 1985, leaving behind a legacy of timeless literature. His works continue to captivate readers of all ages, offering insight, charm, and the enduring beauty of the written word.