G. Griffin (George Griffin) Lewis

Born in 1865 and remembered as both an American physician and an author, George Griffin Lewis wrote under the name G. Griffin Lewis. Reference sources connected with his work consistently identify him as a doctor as well as a writer, and public records place his life from December 17, 1865, to December 8, 1946.

Lewis is best known today for The Practical Book of Oriental Rugs, first published in 1911 and later issued in a revised and enlarged form. The book was designed as a practical guide for buyers, collectors, and general readers, helping explain how to recognize, compare, and care for Oriental rugs without requiring specialist knowledge.

He also wrote The Mystery of the Oriental Rug in 1914, showing a lasting interest in making the history and symbolism of rugs approachable for a wider audience. That mix of expertise and plainspoken guidance is what gives his work its lasting appeal for modern readers of decorative arts and collecting history.