Staccato Notes of a Vanished Summer (from Literature and Life)

Name: Staccato Notes of a Vanished Summer (from Literature and Life)
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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About This Book

The narrator records brief, vivid impressions of a late summer at Kittery Point, opening with a seaside storm and the harbor's fleet and then shifting to quieter days when summer resumes. Daily rhythms are traced through the village mail, the harbor habits, and the relaxed, sea-shaped manner of residents; houses, humble gardens, and spotless interiors are sketched alongside the trolley's seasonal bustle. Observations move between small social details and meditative notes on shortening summers, local memory, and a visit to the old Pepperrell tomb, blending natural description with reflections on continuity and change.

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.