Hugh Lofting

Date of Birth: January 14, 1886

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: September 26, 1947

Biography

Hugh John Lofting was an English author primarily known for his beloved series of children’s books about Doctor Dolittle, a man who could talk to animals. Born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, Lofting had a diverse range of life experiences before becoming a writer. He was educated at Mount St. Mary’s College in Spinkhill, Derbyshire, and later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States to study civil engineering. Lofting served in the British Army during World War I, where he was injured. It was during his time in the trenches that he began writing imaginative letters to his children, which later formed the basis for his Doctor Dolittle stories. These letters provided a whimsical escape from the horrors of war, featuring a kind-hearted doctor who could speak to animals and went on fantastical adventures. The first book in the series, “The Story of Doctor Dolittle,” was published in 1920 and became an instant hit. The series continued to grow in popularity, spawning several sequels, adaptations, and even a musical film. Lofting’s work won numerous awards and remains a staple of children’s literature to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Hugh Lofting

1. Hugh Lofting created the character of Doctor Dolittle during World War I as part of letters he wrote to his children from the trenches.

2. Lofting initially studied civil engineering at MIT, showing his diverse range of skills and interests.

3. The Doctor Dolittle series was awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1923 for “The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle.”

4. Lofting’s illustrations in the Doctor Dolittle books were all drawn by himself, showcasing his artistic talent.

5. Several of Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle books have been adapted into films, including a 1967 musical and a 1998 film starring Eddie Murphy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hugh Lofting

1. “If I had not been a writer, I would have been an architect.”

2. “Some of the best friends I have made in my life have been my books.”

3. “I suppose the most important thing about Doctor Dolittle is that he is a good listener.”

4. “Children are the best critics of my work, and their approval is the highest accolade.”

5. “Imagination is a quality that must be nurtured in both the young and the old.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Hugh Lofting’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant sum for an author in the early 20th century.

Children

Hugh Lofting had three children: Mary Lofting, Colin Lofting, and Elizabeth Lofting. His children were the initial recipients of his imaginative letters, which later evolved into the Doctor Dolittle series.