Classic Children's Literatire: A Biography of Charlotte's Web Author E.B. White
© Susan Jensen
Elwyn Brooks (E.B.) White began his writing career as a reporter and he ended it as one of the most celebrated children's authors of his time. He created Stuart Little (1945), Charlotte's Web (1952) and The Trumpet of the Swan, all considered children's classics.
White was born in Mount Vernon, New York, in 1899. His father worked as a piano manufacturer, and became quite successful at his trade. In an interview, E.B. said that he began writing "early--as soon as I could spell."
After graduating from Cornell University in 1921, E.B. began his professional writing career. He worked as a reporter for the United Press, the American Legion News Service and the Seattle Times.
In 1924, he returned to New York and worked as a production assistant and advertising copywriter. His wisest career move came when E.B. joined the staff of the New Yorker. Not only did he publish editorials, verses, and essays, but he also met other writers such as Dorothy Parker, James Thurber and Robert Benchley.
E.B. married Katherine Sergeant Angell in 1929. Together, they had one son. They also published A Subtreasury of American Humour (1941) together.
Writing for the New Yorker; His Famous Children's Novels
From 1929 on, E.B. White worked for the New Yorker's weekly magazine. He also wrote and edited a column called "One Man's Meat" for Harper's magazine. Those collected essays were published in 1942.
In 1939, the Whites moved to a farm in North Brooklin, Maine, where E.B. continued to write. He said the animals in his barn gave him ideas, and also helped dispel the depression he sometimes felt. While living in Brookline, E.B. published his three most famous books: Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web and The Trumpet of the Swan. He also revised William Strunk, Jr.'s manual The Elements of Style, which was published in 1959.
E.B. White won many awards for his writing, including a special Pulitzer Prize in 1978. He also held honorary degrees from 7 American colleges and universities.
The beloved creator of children's classics died on October 1, 1985, of Alzheimer's disease.
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