J. B. (Joseph Bowne) Elwell

Born in 1873, Joseph Bowne Elwell was an American bridge player, teacher, and writer who became well known during the rise of bridge and auction bridge in the early 20th century. He wrote instructional books that helped explain the game to a broad readership, including Advanced Bridge, Bridge; Its Principles and Rules of Play, and later works on auction bridge.

Elwell built a reputation not just as an author but as a tutor and authority on the game. His writing was practical and accessible, which helped make him one of the most recognizable bridge specialists of his day.

He is also remembered for the mystery surrounding his death in 1920, when he was found shot in his New York home in a case that was never solved. That notoriety sometimes overshadows his work, but his books remain part of the early history of bridge writing in America.