Irvin S. Cobb, in full Irvin Shrewsbury Cobb, (born June 23, 1876, Paducah, Kentucky, U.S.—died March 10, 1944, New York City, New York), American journalist and humorist best known for his colloquial handling of familiar situations with ironical, penetrating humour. At 19 Cobb became managing editor of the Paducah Daily News, and in 1904 he went to New York City, where he became a staff writer for the Evening World and Sunday World. First through syndicated newspaper features and later in magazines, he became widely known for such articles as “Speaking of Operations,” AND “Kazan”. He wrote more than 60 books and 300 short stories. Some of his works were adapted for silent movies.