Edwin Tunis

Edwin Burdette Tunis (1897–1973) was an American painter, mural artist, book illustrator, radio announcer, actor, theater set designer and author.

As a children's writer, Tunis earned a Newbery Honor in 1962 for his book Frontier Living, and was a finalist for National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 1971 for The Young United States, 1783–1830. He also won the Thomas A. Edison Foundation Children's Book Award for special excellence in portraying America's past.

He wrote and illustrated several books, including: Oars, Sails, and Steam: A Picture Book of Ships; Weapons; Wheels; Colonial Living; and Indians.

Early life

Tunis was born in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, on December 8, 1897. He grew up moving a lot because his father's job was installing steam engines at factories all over the country.

As an adult he lived most of his life in Maryland.

Works

His books include:

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Tunis, Edwin, 1897-1973. NWDA (1897 - 1973) Biographical History", "Social Networks and Archival Content Project", IATH, University of Virginia; UC Berkeley School of Information; California Digital Library; http://socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu/xtf/view?docId=tunis-edwin-1897-1973-cr.xml##
  2. ↑ "Association for Library Service to Children - Newbery Medal Winners & Honor Books, 1922 – Present" (PDF). ALA.org. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  3. ↑ "The Young United States, 1783–1830". National Book Foundation.