On this day in 1899, American writer E.B. White was born. He’s widely known for his popular reputation in children’s literature, with works such as Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little being part of everyone’s childhood. In celebration of his life and career, we’ve gathered 5 interesting facts about E.B. White that most folks probably don’t know.
HE WAS A JOURNALIST
Aside from being an author, White also wrote articles for various publications. He started as an editor for The Cornell Daily Sun when he was studying for his Bachelor’s degree, then later became known for his work in The New Yorker magazine.
HE LOVED ANIMALS
This one might be obvious considering the cast of characters he chooses for his books, but White absolutely loved animals. Whether that be a dog or horse. He even bought a farm home later in his life, which he shared with his wife Katherine.
HE HATED PUBLICITY
White’s fame began during his time working with The New Yorker. Fellow journalist James Thurber recalled in his novel, Credos and Curios, that White would often hide at the building’s fire escape if an interviewer or someone he didn’t know asked for him.
HIS ZODIAC SIGN IS CANCER
Considering today’s his birthday, that makes White’s zodiac sign a Cancer. These folks are often described as loving and compassionate towards all, which would explain a quote he listed in his foreword for Charlotte’s Web: “All I can hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world.”
HE WAS A PROCRASTINATOR
As with any writer, procrastination is something you’re bound to face. White was not afraid to admit that he had problems with it himself. Yet, he told his audience that “a writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.”