Howard Pyle (1853-1911) was an American Illustrator and author. He was the founder of one of the most influential institutions of American illustration, known as the Brandywine school; notable students included N.C Wyeth and Jessie Willcox Smith. In addition to teaching and illustrating, he was a prolific children's book author. Among his best known works are The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (1883), Otto of the Silver Hand (1888), and his beloved pirate stories. Pyle's was an influence on generations of artists and writers ranging from Vincent Van Gogh to Ernest Hemingway.