Author: Francis Hopkinson Smith

Francis Hopkinson Smith (1838-1915) was an American author, artist, and engineer, with a multifaceted career that reflected his diverse talents. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Smith was not only a prolific writer but also an accomplished civil engineer, having notably designed the foundation for the Statue of Liberty. Turning to literature, Smith”s narrative style combines gentle humor with keen observations of character and social manners, often set against the backdrop of American society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His book “The Veiled Lady, and Other Men and Women” (1907) is an exquisite example of his ability to weave engaging tales that explore themes of identity and human nature through a distinctive blend of realism and romanticism. Smith”s literary output was substantial, with other notable works including “Colonel Carter of Cartersville” (1891) and “Caleb West, Master Diver” (1898). His stories, frequently serialized in popular magazines of the epoch, brought him considerable fame during his lifetime. Smith”s legacy extends beyond his literary contributions; his illustrations and watercolor paintings exhibit his artistic skill, complementing his storytelling prowess, and his engineering achievements demonstrate his technical ingenuity.