Courtlandt Canby (1914–2004) was an American popular-science and history writer, born in New Haven, Connecticut. Co-founder of the Book of the Month Club, he is best known for his contributions to The New Illustrated Library of Science and Invention (Hawthorn Books), a series of illustrated albums covering the history of rockets and space, flight, and seafaring. These works were translated into several languages as part of the international "Discovering Science" series designed by Swiss graphic artist Erik Nitsche, and are distinguished by their iconographic quality and accessible prose. Canby also wrote works on military and cultural history.