Lewis Worthington Smith (1866–1947) was an American academic, poet, and author who dedicated his career to higher education and the literary arts. He is best remembered for his long and influential tenure at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he served as the head of the Department of English for thirty-four years. Through his leadership and teaching, Smith shaped the academic study of English and creative writing for generations of students, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the university's faculty.\n\nAs a writer, Smith was highly versatile, producing both creative and instructional works. His literary output included numerous poems as well as books focused on the craft of writing and composition. His publications were well-received by contemporary audiences and academic peers alike, frequently earning republication and enduring relevance during his lifetime. His textbooks and guides aimed to demystify the writing process, reflecting his dual passions for education and literature.\n\nSmith's career bridged the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, reflecting a dedication to the formal study of literature and composition. His contributions as both an educator and a published author left a lasting mark on the academic and literary landscape of his era, embodying the dedication of early twentieth-century American scholars to the preservation and teaching of literary craft.
