Hendrik Willem van Loon (1882-1944) was a Dutch-American historian, journalist, and writer known for his ability to present complex historical subjects in an engaging and accessible style. His book The Story of Mankind received the first Newbery Medal awarded for children's literature in 1922 and established his reputation as a gifted interpreter of history for a broad readership. Van Loon wrote numerous works on history, culture, and civilization, many accompanied by his own distinctive illustrations.