author
Ellen Eddy Shaw
1874–1960
A writer, editor, and gardening teacher, she helped make nature study feel practical and inviting for young readers. Her books blend hands-on learning with a clear love of gardens, farming, and everyday observation.
1 Audiobook
The Library of Work and Play: Gardening and Farming.
by Ellen Eddy Shaw
About the author
Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, in 1874, Ellen Eddy Shaw became an American writer, editor, and teacher known for her work on gardening and farming. She is especially remembered for writing clearly and accessibly about the natural world, including for younger readers.
From 1913 to 1945, she served as Curator of Elementary Instruction at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. That long role fits closely with the practical, educational tone of her books, which aimed to encourage curiosity, outdoor work, and direct experience with plants and gardens.
Shaw died in 1960. Today she is best known for work such as The Library of Work and Play: Gardening and Farming, which reflects her gift for turning everyday growing and garden care into something approachable and engaging.