Clarence Hawkes

Born in Goshen, Massachusetts, in 1869, Clarence Hawkes lost his sight as a boy after a hunting accident. He later studied at Perkins School for the Blind, where he was a contemporary of Helen Keller, and went on to build a career as both a lecturer and writer.

Hawkes became known for poetry, autobiography, and especially nature writing. He wrote extensively about animals and the New England outdoors, and sources from Perkins describe him as a respected "blind naturalist" whose books drew on deep memory, patient field knowledge, and a lifelong fascination with wildlife.

His work was remarkably prolific, with many books published across several decades, including animal biographies and reflective writing about blindness and perseverance. For readers today, his books offer both old-fashioned outdoor storytelling and a personal example of determination in the face of loss.