Edwin Hamlin Carr

Edwin Hamlin Carr was an early-20th-century writer and compiler whose books focused on clear, effective English. Records for his works identify him as the compiler of Putnam's Phrase Book (1919), a guide to social letter writing and conversation, and he is also associated with titles such as Putnam's Minute-a-Day English and Putnam's Ready Speech Maker.

What stands out about Carr's work is its practical spirit. Rather than writing literary fiction or poetry, he seems to have specialized in reference-style books that helped readers with everyday communication — choosing phrases, writing letters, and speaking more smoothly in public or social settings.

Little biographical information about his personal life was confirmed in the sources available here, so the picture that remains is mainly of Carr through his books: a helpful language guide for readers who wanted their English to be more confident, graceful, and ready for real life.