Hervey White was born in New London, Iowa, in 1866. The son of William Andrew and Martha Chandler White, Hervey attended the State University of Kansas and later transferred to Harvard. He received an A.B. degree in 1894. After graduation, Hervey became affiliated with Jane Addams in social service work at the Hull House in Chicago.

His first book, Difference, was printed in 1899. Perhaps his most famous work wasQuicksand. This book was called one of the six great American novels. In 1900, Bolton Brown, Ralph Whitehead, and White went to Woodstock, New York, and founded the Byrdcliffe Colony, where many noted artists and authors made their summer homes. Four years later, he established the Maverick Colony. This colony gave opportunities to both actors and musicians. The Maverick Press, founded by White, printed a number of his books and also works of other authors. He also served as editor for Wild Hawk and Plowshare, periodicals printed by his press.

Hervey White died in 1944, at the age of 78.