Lloyd E. (Lloyd Edwin) Smith

Lloyd E. Smith, identified in library and archival records as Lloyd Edwin Smith (1902–1971), was an American writer of concise educational manuals. His surviving bibliography centers on clear, practical subjects such as grammar, spelling, arithmetic, proofreading, and writing basics.

Several of his best-known works were published by Haldeman-Julius in the Little Blue Books series, including Grammar Self Taught, Spelling Self Taught, Arithmetic Self Taught, How to Read and Correct Proof, and How to Write Little Blue Books. That catalog suggests he specialized in short, useful guides for general readers rather than literary or academic writing.

Reliable biographical detail about his personal life is limited in the sources readily available online, but the record of his publications shows a strong focus on self-education. His books reflect a simple, democratic idea of reading: that ordinary people should be able to learn practical skills quickly, cheaply, and without intimidation.