C. Walter Hodges first came to prominence as the author/illustrator of "Columbus Sails" in 1939, which the Junior Bookshelf hailed as "The best book never to have been awarded the Carnegie Medal." Widely acclaimed for the treatment of its subject matter, its powerful narration, and accompanying dramatic line illustrations, "Columbus Sails" was the first of a number of vivid historical novels written and illustrated by Hodges, including "The Namesake" (nominated for the 1964 Carnegie Medal), "The Marsh King" (1967), and "The Overland Launch" (1969). He is internationally recognised both for his indispensable and learned books about the Elizabethan theatre (for which he gained the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration in 1964) and his vital illustrations to other authors' texts. This timely article is based on interviews and correspondence between the author and Hodges, and traces and celebrates the latter's life and career as a writer, book illustrator, teacher, and scholar.