William Lipkind

American writer

William Lipkind (December 17, 1904, New York City – October 2, 1974) was an American writer most famous for his children's picture book collaborations with Nicholas Mordvinoff, under the pseudonym Will (jointly Nicolas and Will).^[1] Before his writing and illustrating career, he was already an established anthropologist, graduating from Columbia University in 1937.^[2] He earned a master's in English literature. His undergraduate degree was from City College of New York in 1927. His doctorate was in anthropology.^[3]

Career

Writing

In 1947, he wrote Finders Keepers, published by Harcourt Brace and winner of the 1951 Caldecott Medal.^[3]

Anthropology

Beginning in 1939, Lipkind spent two years in Brazil studying two Indian tribes. His research resulted in a grammar and dictionary upon his return in the US.^[3] One publication was called Winnebago Grammar.^[4] It began as his dissertation at Columbia in 1944.^[5]

Teaching

Lipkind taught anthropology at New York University and at Hunter College, children's literature.^[3]

References

^ Lipkind wrote picture books under the name Will; his young-adult fiction and a thesis appeared under the name William Lipkind. Library of Congress name authority record
^ LCCN source titles suggest Native American specialist: Boy with a harpoon, 1952: t.p. (William Lipkind) Winnebago grammar
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "WILLIAM LIPKIND, ANTHROPOLOGIST". New York Times. October 3, 1974. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
^ Winnebago Grammar
^ "Winnebago Grammar". Wisconsin Historical Socirty. Retrieved 4 March 2023.