A. Neely (Albert Neely) Hall

Albert Neely Hall was an American author and craftsman born in 1883. He is best remembered for practical books for young readers, including Home-Made Toys for Girls and Boys, and for writing in a clear, encouraging style that made building and creating feel approachable and fun.

His work centered on hands-on projects—woodcraft, toys, games, and useful shop skills—and it fit naturally with the era's enthusiasm for self-reliance and constructive hobbies. Hall's name also remained closely tied to craft-pattern publishing, reflecting how strongly his writing and design work were rooted in making things people could actually use.

Hall died in 1959. Although he is not widely known today, his books have lasted because they capture a timeless kind of curiosity: the pleasure of learning by doing.