Hugh Lofting

The Doctor Dolittle Creator:

• The Man Behind the Animals: Hugh Lofting was a British-American author, born in 1886 and lived until 1947. Though he wrote other works, his most famous creation is Dr. Dolittle, the veterinarian who can talk to animals.
• Born from War: The Doctor Dolittle character originated from illustrated letters Lofting wrote to his children during World War I. Not wanting to burden them with the war's realities, he crafted fantastical stories.

From Engineer to Author:

• Dual Degrees: Lofting's path to authorship wasn't linear. He first studied civil engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the London Polytechnic.
• Well-Traveled Engineer: Before becoming a writer, Lofting worked as a civil engineer, traveling to places like Africa, the West Indies, and Canada.

Life Beyond Engineering:

• Taking the Leap: In 1912, Lofting decided to pursue writing full-time, settling in New York City. Despite living in the US for a significant part of his life, his books retain a strong English atmosphere.
• Marriage and Family: Lofting was married three times and had three children.

Interesting Facts:

• Unexpected Recognition: Lofting reportedly expressed surprise that his Dr. Dolittle stories were categorized as children's literature.
• Lasting Legacy: The Dr. Dolittle series has become a children's literature staple, inspiring numerous adaptations and films.