Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Hubbard was an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher, best known for his role in the Arts and Crafts movement and as the founder of the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, New York. Raised in Hudson, Illinois, Hubbard initially found success as a traveling salesman for the Larkin Soap Company, which provided him with the financial means to pursue his literary and artistic ambitions. His work emphasized craftsmanship and individualism, aligning with the broader ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to counter the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. Among his notable publications, the fourteen-volume series 'Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great' stands out for its biographical sketches of influential figures, while 'A Message to Garcia' became a widely circulated essay advocating initiative and responsibility in the workplace. Hubbard's writings not only reflected his personal philosophies but also resonated with the cultural currents of his time, influencing both the literary and artistic landscapes. Tragically, Hubbard's life came to an end when he and his second wife, Alice Moore Hubbard, perished aboard the RMS Lusitania, which was sunk by a German submarine in 1915, marking a significant moment in literary history as well as the broader context of World War I.