Hugh Lofting

Hugh Lofting was an English author best known for creating Doctor Dolittle, a physician who learns to speak with animals in a series of children's books.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle: Hugh Lofting's 1920 children's novel introduces Doctor Dolittle, his animal companions, and their voyage to Africa. This first book established the character and world that made Lofting famous.
World War I: World War I was a global conflict fought from 1914 to 1918, centered in Europe and involving powers across the world. Lofting began writing animal tales in letters home while serving in the war.
Josephine Lofting: Josephine Lofting was Hugh Lofting's wife and a supporter of his writing and literary legacy. Her life with Lofting provides context for the author's family and working life.
Doctor Dolittle (1967 film): Doctor Dolittle is a 1967 musical film adaptation of Hugh Lofting's stories, starring Rex Harrison. Its spectacle and musical form differ sharply from the books' illustrated narrative.
The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle: Hugh Lofting's 1922 novel follows Doctor Dolittle on a journey around the world with the naturalist Long Arrow. Its publication brought Lofting the 1923 Newbery Medal.
Trench warfare: Trench warfare is combat in which opposing forces fight from fortified trenches and connected defensive positions. Lofting's wartime letters used animal stories partly to spare his children graphic battlefield descriptions.
Reynold H. Humphries: Reynold H. Humphries was an American literary scholar who wrote about Hugh Lofting and the Doctor Dolittle books. His scholarship examines the books' literary and historical context.
Doctor Dolittle (1998 film): Doctor Dolittle is a 1998 comedy film starring Eddie Murphy as a physician who can speak with animals. It modernizes the premise while departing from Lofting's original character and plots.
Doctor Dolittle's Post Office: Hugh Lofting's 1923 book describes Doctor Dolittle's postal service, which carries messages through animal communication. It extends the series' central idea into a playful communication system.
Children's literature: Children's literature comprises books written for or read by children, across genres and historical periods. The Dolittle stories grew from private letters into a lasting body of children's fiction.

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Enid BlytonCompared with: Lofting’s animal fantasies provide a different model of popular children’s storytelling.