Elbert Hubbard ​

Elbert Green Hubbard was an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher. He authored numerous essays, articles, and books, and was a notable figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. His most famous work is the essay "A Message to Garcia".

Quick Facts ​

• Known for his inspirational essays and art commentary.
• Published notable works of artwork and books through his Roycroft artist community.
• His philosophy, often referred to as Roycroft, advocated a return to the artisanal crafts.
• His most well-known work, "A Message to Garcia," has been translated into 37 languages and sold over 40 million copies.
• Many of his phrases and concepts have become popular clichés, including "The man who does not work for the love of work but only for money is not likely to make money nor find much fun in life."

Background ​

Hubbard was born in 1856 in Bloomington, Illinois. He was educated in the local public schools and later attended Illinois Wesleyan University. After working as a traveling salesman, he became a partner in the Larkin Soap Company. In 1893, he founded the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, New York, an influential participant in the Arts and Crafts movement. Hubbard edited and published two magazines, The Philistine and The Fra, where he published his essays. He also authored a 10-volume work, Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, which is a series of short biographies. Hubbard and his wife, Alice, died aboard the RMS Lusitania when it was sunk by a German submarine in 1915.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Hubbard's writing style was direct, clear and vibrant making use of simple, everyday language. He wrote about a variety of topics, including philosophy, religion, and business, and his work was known for its insightful, motivational nature. His writing was influential in the American Arts and Crafts movement and in the development of self-help literature.

Notable Works ​

• A Message to Garcia (1899)
• Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great (1916)
• The Mintage (1910)
• The Philistine (1895-1915)