Message to Garcia and Other Essays

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 "e;The Philistine"e; 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 "e;A Message to Garcia"e;, 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.