author
Clarence Hawkes
1869–1954
Known as the "Blind Poet of New England," he turned a deep love of the outdoors into nature stories, poetry, and talks that reached a wide audience. His writing often celebrates animals, rural life, and resilience in the face of hardship.
4 Audiobooks
The White Czar: A Story of a Polar Bear
by Clarence Hawkes
Pep: The Story of a Brave Dog
by Clarence Hawkes
Black Bruin: The Biography of a Bear
by Clarence Hawkes
Shaggycoat: The Biography of a Beaver
by Clarence Hawkes
About the author
Born in Goshen, Massachusetts, on December 16, 1869, Clarence Hawkes became known as an American author and lecturer with a strong gift for writing about nature. Childhood accidents left him physically disabled and later blind, but he went on to build a remarkable literary career centered on the natural world.
Hawkes studied at the Perkins School for the Blind, and his experiences shaped both his outlook and his work. He wrote nature stories, poetry, and autobiographical books, including Hitting the Dark Trail: Starshine through Thirty Years of Night. His books often drew on close observation of animals and New England landscapes, giving readers a warm, vivid sense of the outdoors.
Remembered for both perseverance and productivity, Hawkes remained a popular lecturer as well as a writer. He died on January 19, 1954, leaving behind a body of work that joined personal courage with an enduring affection for wildlife and country life.