Literary Boston as I Knew It (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)

Name: Literary Boston as I Knew It (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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About This Book

He recalls moving to Boston to join a prominent literary magazine and describes the city's literary circle, naming its principal contributors and the magazine's distinctly New England character. He considers the limited presence of Southern and Western writers at that time and notes the later emergence of voices from other regions. He reflects on a dominant aesthetic combining Unitarian faith with Puritan moral seriousness, arguing that it produced notable poetry and romance but constrained novelistic development, and he assesses the gradual decline of Boston's exclusive literary influence.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.