Howard Pyle (1853-1911) was an American author and illustrator. Born in Delaware, Pyle spent much of his life working and teaching illustration in Philadelphia, where he mentored N.C. Wyeth and laid the groundwork for the influential group of artists known as the Brandywine School. Pyle's work includes The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood and a set of books on the exploits of King Arthur. Famous for his prodigious output of written and illustrated works for children, many of which featured pirates, Pyle is a renaissance man and artist for all time.