Harold W. McCauley was an American illustrator known for his work in the science fiction pulp magazine field. Born in 1913 in Chicago, Illinois, McCauley began his career as a commercial artist and illustrator, contributing cover art and interior illustrations to numerous pulp magazines throughout the 1940s and 1950s. McCauley's illustrations were highly sought after by publishers of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure pulps. He is particularly renowned for his cover art for the "Mac Girls" series, which featured attractive female characters, as well as his illustrations for magazines like Astounding Stories, Thrilling Wonder Stories, and Planet Stories.

McCauley's style was characterized by dynamic compositions, bold colors, and a keen eye for detail, which helped bring the imaginative worlds of pulp fiction to life. In addition to his pulp work, McCauley also contributed illustrations to other publications, including comic books and mainstream magazines. He was recognized for his technical skill and artistic talent, and his illustrations were praised for their ability to capture the excitement and wonder of the science fiction genre. McCauley continued to work as an illustrator until his death in 1977 at the age of 64, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential and iconic artists in the history of pulp fiction illustration.