William Lipkind


William Lipkind was an American writer most famous for his children's picture book collaborations with Nicholas Mordvinoff, under the pseudonym Will. Before his writing and illustrating career, he was already an established anthropologist, graduating from Columbia University in 1937. 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.

Career

Writing

In 1947, he wrote children's book)|Finders Keepers], published by Harcourt Brace and winner of the 1951 Caldecott Medal.

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. One publication was called Winnebago Grammar. It began as his dissertation at Columbia in 1944.

Teaching

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

Selected works