Happy Birthday, Howard Pyle!

Today is the birthday of Howard Pyle, American author and illustrator.  Known for his art and his famous students (namely, N.C. Wyeth and Jessie Wilcox Smith) later named The Brandywine School.  When you think of adventure stories, you should think of Howard Pyle.  His illustrations for numerous books on pirates, Robin Hood, and King Arthur and the knights of the round table inspired countless youth to read and make art.  My girlfriend Elizabeth and I got to view the Howard Pyle exhibit at the Delaware Art Museum and also had a chance to see the works of Howard's younger sister Katharine Pyle.  It was a great exhibit.  You could see what pieces were heavily influenced by big brother Howard and which seemed to be more of her own.  Elizabeth and I both agreed that kid sis Katharine had a better knack for black and white book illustrations.

Have a favorite Howard Pyle book?  Leave a comment!