31 Facts About E.B. White

Early Life and Education

E.B. White, the beloved author of children's classics, had a fascinating life filled with interesting moments and achievements. Let's dive into some lesser-known facts about him.

1. Born on July 11, 1899, in Mount Vernon, New York, E.B. White was the youngest of six children.
2. His full name was Elwyn Brooks White, but he preferred to be called Andy, a nickname given by his college friends.
3. White attended Cornell University, where he was the editor of the university's humor magazine, The Cornell Widow.
4. At Cornell, he was taught by William Strunk Jr., who later co-authored "The Elements of Style" with White.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a famous author, White had various jobs that shaped his writing career.

5. After graduating in 1921, White worked as a reporter for the United Press and the American Legion News Service.
6. He joined The New Yorker magazine in 1927, where he contributed essays, poems, and stories for nearly six decades.
7. White's first children's book, "Stuart Little," was published in 1945, inspired by a dream he had about a tiny boy who looked like a mouse.

Writing Children's Classics

E.B. White is best known for his timeless children's books, which continue to captivate readers of all ages.

8. "Charlotte's Web," published in 1952, was inspired by White's own experiences on his farm in Maine.
9. The character of Charlotte the spider was based on White's fascination with spiders and their intricate webs.
10. "Charlotte's Web" has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide.
11. White's third children's book, "The Trumpet of the Swan," was published in 1970 and tells the story of a mute swan named Louis who learns to play the trumpet.

Personal Life

White's personal life was as interesting as his professional one, filled with unique experiences and relationships.

12. He married Katharine Sergeant Angell, a fiction editor at The New Yorker, in 1929.
13. The couple had one son, Joel, who became a renowned boat designer.
14. White and his family lived on a saltwater farm in North Brooklin, Maine, where he found inspiration for much of his writing.
15. He was an avid sailor and often wrote about his sailing adventures in essays and articles.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, White received numerous accolades for his contributions to literature.

16. In 1963, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.
17. White received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal in 1970 for his substantial and lasting contributions to children's literature.
18. In 1978, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
19. "Charlotte's Web" was named the best American children's book of the past 200 years by the Children's Literature Association in 1977.

Legacy and Influence

E.B. White's work continues to inspire and influence writers and readers around the world.

20. "The Elements of Style," co-authored with William Strunk Jr., remains a staple in writing education and has sold millions of copies.
21. White's essays, collected in volumes such as "One Man's Meat" and "Essays of E.B. White," are celebrated for their wit, clarity, and insight.
22. His writing style, characterized by simplicity and elegance, has influenced generations of writers.
23. White's farm in Maine is now a historic site, attracting visitors who want to see the place that inspired his beloved stories.

Fun and Quirky Facts

Here are some fun and quirky tidbits about E.B. White that you might not know.

24. White had a pet dachshund named Fred, who often appeared in his essays.
25. He was known for his modesty and often downplayed his achievements.
26. White had a fear of public speaking and rarely gave interviews or made public appearances.
27. He once wrote a letter to a young reader explaining why he chose to end "Charlotte's Web" the way he did, showing his deep connection to his audience.

Final Years

Even in his later years, White continued to write and contribute to literature.

28. White published his last book, "Letters of E.B. White," in 1976, a collection of his correspondence over the years.
29. He continued to write for The New Yorker until his death, contributing essays and poems.
30. White passed away on October 1, 1985, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of literary excellence.
31. His work remains a testament to the power of simple, heartfelt storytelling, resonating with readers of all ages.

E.B. White's Lasting Impact

E.B. White's work has left a lasting mark on literature. His books like "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little" continue to captivate readers of all ages. White's ability to blend humor, wisdom, and emotion in his writing makes his stories timeless. Beyond his children's books, his essays and contributions to "The New Yorker" showcase his versatility as a writer. White's dedication to clear, concise writing has influenced countless authors and journalists. His love for nature and animals shines through in his work, reminding readers of the simple joys in life. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his stories, E.B. White's writing offers something special. His legacy lives on through the characters and worlds he created, proving that great storytelling never goes out of style.