Beginning his career as a book illustrator in 1843, F. O. C. Darley was the most prolific and successful illustrator of his generation. From the time of his earliest work until his death the words "illustrated by Darley" on the title page of a book ensured good sales. Darley was as capable of illustrating humor and books for children as he was works of fiction by authors such as Washington Irving and James Fenimore Cooper. Made a full member of the National Academy of Design in 1853, Darley was the first American to focus his talents on the illustration of American literature.

Felix Octavius Carr Darley was born in Philadelphia on 23 June 1822. His parents, John and Eleanor Westray Darley, were actors who came in about 1800 to the United States, where they were married. Felix Darley grew up in a literate and artistic family. He had at least six siblings, two...