About the Illustrator:

Walter Jack Duncan (1881-1941) began drawing at an early age.  After his primary education, Duncan attended the Art Student’s League in New York where he studied under John Henry Twachtman, a forerunner of American avant-garde painting.  While in New York, Duncan began illustrating works for various magazines including “Century Magazine”, “Scribner’s”, “McClure’s Magazine” and “Harper’s Magazine.” Duncan enlisted in the Army during World War I and was directed to illustrate the everyday activities of the soldiers. The images were designed to boost public opinion of the War.  In the same period, he began illustrating books for several of his close friends including Christopher Morley.  During his career, Duncan was given the nickname “wizard of pen and ink” owing to his command of the medium.

Collection of Morley books available at Long Island University