Howard Pyle was born on March 5, 1853, in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended high school at Taylor Academy and then studied art in Philadelphia for three years before returning home to work as a clerk in his father's business.

In October 1876, Pyle moved to New York City, where he worked for two years as an illustrator and writer. Pyle then returned to Wilmington, where he wrote and illustrated books for young adults.

Born a Quaker, Pyle later adopted the Swedenborg religion, and many of his stories, such as Otto of the Silver Hand and The Garden Behind the Moon, reflect his religious beliefs. He died on November 9, 1911, in Florence, Italy.

Pyle's first published stories appeared in St. Nicholas magazine. Thirteen of his fables were published while he was in New York, but he soon found writing for children's magazines unprofitable.

Deciding to attempt bigger projects, he...