Clarence Hawkes

Clarence Hawkes (December 16, 1869 – January 19, 1954) was an American author and lecturer, known for his nature stories and poetry.

One of his most well-known works is his autobiography, titled "The Darkened Path: A Story of Blindness and Its Triumphs," published in 1918.

Born in Goshen, Massachusetts, Hawkes was physically disabled at a young age; part of one leg was amputated when he was nine, and he became blind four years later after a gun discharged in his face during a hunting accident.

He was subsequently educated at the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, where he befriended the young Helen Keller.

His prolific career saw the publication of over 100 volumes on a variety of topics; upon his death, the New York Times referred to him as the "blind poet of Hadley".