Hugh Lofting

Hugh John Lofting (14 January 1886 – 26 September 1947) was a British author, best known for his children's books in the Doctor Dolittle series, which he originally created for his children. The stories center around a physician who can talk to animals, a concept that has delighted readers for generations.

Early Life

Lofting was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England. He was educated at Mount St Mary's College in Spinkhill, Derbyshire, and later studied civil engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.

Career

Lofting served in the Irish Guards during World War I. The horrors of war led him to create the character of Doctor Dolittle, as he wanted to write something that would entertain his children and provide an escape from the grim realities of the time. His first book, "The Story of Doctor Dolittle", was published in 1920.

Doctor Dolittle Series

The Doctor Dolittle series includes several books, such as "The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle", which won the Newbery Medal in 1923. The series has been adapted into various films, television shows, and musicals.

Personal Life

Lofting married three times and had three children. He spent his later years in California, where he continued to write until his death in 1947.

Legacy

Hugh Lofting's work has left a lasting impact on children's literature. His imaginative storytelling and the creation of a character who communicates with animals have inspired countless adaptations and continue to capture the imagination of readers worldwide.

See Also

• List of children's literature writers
• Newbery Medal
• Animal communication in fiction

References

Hugh,

 The Story of Doctor Dolittle, 
  
 Frederick A. Stokes, 
 1920,

Hugh Lofting Full text,

 Encyclopaedia Britannica,

External Links

• Works by Hugh Lofting at Project Gutenberg
• Hugh Lofting at IMDb