Elbert Hubbard (1856 – 1915) was an American writer, publisher, and philosopher, best known as the founder of the Roycroft artisan community and author of A Message to Garcia. His contributions to the Arts and Crafts movement made him a key figure in early 20th-century American culture.
Born in Illinois, he worked as a soap salesman before turning to writing. Inspired by William Morris, he established Roycroft Press in 1895, producing finely crafted books, furniture, and decorative items. His publications, The Philistine and The FRA, combined satire, social critique, and business insights.
His later years were marked by controversial views, shifting from socialism to individualism. He criticized government bureaucracy and advocated self-reliance. In 1915, he and his wife, Alice Hubbard, boarded the RMS Lusitania, which was torpedoed by a German submarine. Refusing to separate, they perished together.
Hubbard’s philosophy of practical action and creative enterprise continues to influence business and self-improvement literature. His legacy endures through Roycroft’s artistic revival and his writings on craftsmanship and personal initiative.