E. Boyd (Elmer Boyd) Smith

Born in 1860, E. Boyd Smith—Elmer Boyd Smith—was an American illustrator and author remembered for children’s books. He worked during a period when illustrated books for young readers were becoming a major part of publishing, and his pictures were a big part of his appeal.

Smith created and illustrated books that blended storytelling with energetic, detailed artwork. His subjects ranged from myth and adventure to scenes of ordinary life, and he became especially associated with richly visual books for children.

He died in 1943, leaving behind work that is still recognized by readers interested in classic illustrated children’s literature and the history of book art.