Hugh Lofting

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Lofting

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Hugh Lofting (January 14, 1886 – September 26, 1947) was a British author best known for his series of children's books about Doctor Dolittle, a man who could talk to animals. Lofting was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, and he spent much of his early life in the United States. He was educated at Mount St Mary's College in Spinkhill, Derbyshire, and later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Hugh Lofting was born to English and Irish parents. He was one of six children. Lofting's early education took place at Mount St Mary's College, a Jesuit boarding school. He later moved to the United States to study civil engineering at MIT, where he graduated in 1906.

Career

Lofting initially worked as a civil engineer, traveling extensively in the United States, Canada, and West Africa. However, his career took a significant turn during World War I. While serving in the Irish Guards, Lofting found it difficult to communicate the horrors of war to his children. Instead, he wrote imaginative letters that would later become the basis for his famous Doctor Dolittle series.

Doctor Dolittle Series

The first book in the series, The Story of Doctor Dolittle, was published in 1920. The series follows the adventures of Doctor John Dolittle, a physician who shuns human patients in favor of animals, with whom he can speak in their own languages. The books were immensely popular and have been adapted into several films, television series, and stage productions.

The series includes:

• The Story of Doctor Dolittle (1920)
• The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle (1922)
• Doctor Dolittle's Post Office (1923)
• Doctor Dolittle's Circus (1924)
• Doctor Dolittle's Zoo (1925)
• Doctor Dolittle's Caravan (1926)
• Doctor Dolittle's Garden (1927)
• Doctor Dolittle in the Moon (1928)
• Doctor Dolittle's Return (1933)
• Doctor Dolittle and the Secret Lake (1948, posthumously)

Personal Life

Lofting married twice. His first wife, Flora Small, died in 1927. He later married Katherine Harrower. Lofting had three children: Colin, Elizabeth, and Christopher. He spent his later years in Topanga, 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. The character of Doctor Dolittle has become a cultural icon, symbolizing kindness, empathy, and a deep connection with nature. Lofting's imaginative storytelling and unique characters continue to captivate readers of all ages.

Related Pages

• Doctor Dolittle
• Children's literature
• World War I
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Maidenhead
• Irish Guards

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