Elbert Hubbard

A Message to Garcia and Other Essays Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) was an American writer, philosopher, publisher and artist, who founded the Roycroft Arts and Crafts community in East Aurora, New York. Hubbard set up a small printing shop next to his family home, where he began printing "The Philistine" magazine. The publication, quite popular in its time, was filled with Hubbard's sardonic wit, satire and often controversial commentary. An 1899 edition of the magazine included "A Message to Garcia", an inspirational essay celebrating the initiative of Major Andrew Rowan during the Spanish-American War. Hubbard said the essay was written after a discussion with his son Bert about the heroism of Officer Rowan, and what was originally intended as a filler piece for the magazine quickly became an iconic piece of American literature. The essay has been re-printed and translated many times, has inspired screen adaptations, and was given to every U. S. Navy enlistee and U. S. Marine in both world wars.