J. H. C. Whitehead (1904-1960) was one of the important topologists of his generation. The present article was written on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Whitehead's birth. The authors are well-known topologists themselves and have known Whitehead well; they are thus well qualified to give a clear account of some of Whitehead's main contributions and throw some light on Whitehead the man. This they have done; they also provide a good list of more detailed articles where further information can be obtained. It is sad to note that the collected works of J. H. C. Whitehead (published in 1962) are no longer in print.