E. F. (Edward Francis) Harkins

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 27, 1872, Edward Francis Harkins was an American writer and editor. Reliable catalog and biographical sources connect him with Boston and identify him as the author of several literary sketch collections published in the early 20th century.

He is best remembered for books such as Little Pilgrimages Among the Men Who Have Written Famous Books, Famous Authors (Men), and Famous Authors (Women). These books gathered readable portraits of well-known writers and helped bring literary lives to a broad audience.

Some sources also describe him as a newspaper editor, which fits the clear, accessible style of his published work. While detailed biographical information appears to be limited, his surviving books show a strong interest in making authors feel vivid and approachable for everyday readers.