Hendrik Willem van Loon was a Dutch-American professor, journalist, prolific writer, and illustrator. His most famous work, "The Story of Mankind" earned him the prestigious John Newbery Medal, extended by the American Library Association for distinguished contributions to American literature for children. "How to Look at Pictures: a Short History of Painting" was originally published in 1938 as part of the wider efforts of the National Committee for Art Appreciation, formed at the encouragement of Eleanor Roosevelt and other nationally prominent people, to support the arts and boost the public's spirit after the depression years. The book remains a classic attempt to promote and integrate the arts as part of the everyday life in American society.