Howard Pyle (1853-1911), American illustrator, teacher, and writer, born in Wilmington, Delaware. His stories and illustrations for Harper's Weekly and other periodicals established his reputation. From 1894 to 1900 he was director of illustration at the Drexel Institute of Technology, Philadelphia. In 1900 he established in Wilmington the Howard Pyle School of Art, where he conducted free courses in illustration. Pyle's work often deals with American history and medieval folklore; his illustrations feature a realistic style and a bold line.