Ebenezer Howard was an English urban planner and social reformer, best known for founding the garden city movement in the late 19th century. He published his influential book, To-Morrow: A Peaceful Path to Real Reform, in 1898, which proposed a new type of community that combined the benefits of both urban and rural living. Howard's vision aimed to create self-sufficient towns surrounded by green belts, promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing overcrowding in cities. His ideas led to the development of several garden cities, including Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City, which served as models for future urban planning efforts.