John Charles Van Dyke (1856–1932) was an American art historian, critic, and nature writer.

John Charles Van Dyke was born at New Brunswick, New Jersey on April 21, 1856.

[3][4] With his appointment, the Rutgers president's residence was converted to classroom and studio space for the college's Department of Fine Arts.

On its influence, historian Peter Wild wrote, largely through The Desert the nation "discovered" the Southwest, its Indians, strange plants, and exotic animals.

After nearly a century Van Dyke remains the grandfather of almost all American desert writers.