Hendrik Willem van Loon was a Dutch-American author and historian, born on December 14, 1882, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He is best known for his engaging and accessible writing style, which made complex historical topics understandable to a general audience. His most famous work, The Story of Mankind, won the first-ever Newbery Medal in 1922. In addition to his writing, van Loon was a prominent lecturer and educator, sharing his passion for history with students and the public. He also illustrated many of his books, combining art and literature to enhance the reader's experience. Van Loon passed away on March 15, 1944.