George Harley McKnight

George Harley McKnight (1871–1951) was an American writer and scholar whose books explored both the English language and older literary traditions. Records of his work show a career centered on literary editing, language history, and cultural subjects that linked medieval texts with everyday reading.

His published books include English Words and Their Background, Modern English in the Making, The Evolution of the English Language, and St. Nicholas: His Legend and His Rôle in the Christmas Celebration and Other Popular Customs. He also edited older texts such as King Horn, Floriz and Blauncheflur, The Assumption of Our Lady and Middle English Humorous Tales in Verse, showing a strong interest in Middle English literature.

McKnight's writing stands out for making specialized subjects feel readable and lively. Whether he was tracing how English developed over time or retelling the traditions behind Saint Nicholas, he wrote for readers who were curious about where words, stories, and customs come from.