349) H.T.Webster…
A page from The Best of H.T.Webster, Simon and Schuster 1953
H.T.Webster (1885-1952), whose full name was Harold Tucker Webster, was an American cartoonist and humorist.
Webster was best known for his long-running newspaper comic strip called “The Timid Soul,” which he began in 1912. The strip revolved around Caspar Milquetoast, a timid and ineffectual man, often portrayed as a weak and socially awkward individual. The term "milquetoast" has since become a common descriptor for someone who is shy, timid, or lacking in assertiveness. Caspar Milquetoast has appeared in various comic strips, books, and even a few films over the years, embodying the archetype of a meek and unassuming person.Caspar Milquetoast was featured in a few short films in the 1920s and 1930s. The most notable film featuring the character is "The Timid Soul" (1928), directed by Robert F. McGowan. In this silent comedy short, Caspar Milquetoast is portrayed by actor Hugh Herbert. Additionally, there were other short films produced during that era that featured the character, often emphasizing his timid nature and the comedic situations he found himself in.
Webster’s cartoons often featured social commentary and gentle satire, capturing the everyday struggles and idiosyncrasies of ordinary people. His clean and detailed drawing style, combined with witty captions, made his work accessible and relatable to a wide audience.
Throughout his career, Webster contributed to several prominent publications, including The New Yorker, Collier’s Weekly, and Life Magazine. His cartoons reflected the spirit of the times and provided light-hearted commentary on various aspects of society.
H.T.Webster’s contributions to the world of cartoons and humor left a lasting impact, and his work continues to be appreciated by cartoon enthusiasts and fans of classic comic strips.
Pictured below is original art from my collection, broken into two shots as the original is too huge to fit on my copier or to be successfully photographed.
Original The Timid Soul by H.T.Webster 5-21-1933
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