Howard Pyle was an American illustrator and author, primarily known for his works aimed at young readers.

In 1894, he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry (now Drexel University). Pyle later founded his own school of art and illustration, known as the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was coined by scholar Henry C. Pitz to describe the artists of the Brandywine region, including the Wyeth family artists, several of whom were Pyle's students.

His most enduring work, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, published in 1883, remains in print. Pyle's other works often feature medieval European settings, such as his four-volume set on King Arthur. He is also credited with creating the modern stereotype of pirate dress through his illustrations.

Pyle published his first novel, Otto of the Silver Hand, in 1888. He illustrated historical and adventure stories for periodicals like Harper's Magazine and St. Nicholas Magazine. His novel Men of Iron was adapted into the film The Black Shield of Falworth in 1954.

In 1910, Pyle traveled to Florence, Italy, to study mural painting. Unfortunately, he passed away there in 1911 due to a kidney infection (Bright's disease).