William Dean Howells's warm, intimate portrait of Mark Twain begins with their first meeting in Boston and grows into a lifelong friendship marked by laughter, admiration, and repeated visits in Hartford and New York. Twain emerges as a dazzling presence: theatrically dressed, mischievous, endlessly talkative, and yet rooted in a boyish originality that made his humor feel inseparable from deeper wisdom. Howells moves through literary gatherings with Fields, Aldrich, Bret Harte, and Ralph ...

A middle-aged American in Florence, comfortable and finished with life, is courted by a girl of twenty and by her chaperone, who is his own age — and behaves badly, then better, then badly again. Howells edited The Atlantic and was the most powerful literary broker in America; this 1886 novel is his lightest and his best, and the humiliation of a man discovering he is not young is done with no cruelty at all.

An Ohio family — a judge, his wife, and a daughter recovering from an unsuitable attachment — is taken to Europe to get over it, and the Atlantic and the Dutch canals do not much help. Howells edited The Atlantic and was the most powerful literary broker in America; this 1902 novel is his quiet study of ordinary decent people being wrong about their own children, and the father is beautifully done.

The Marches, married twenty-five years, take the European tour they could not afford as newlyweds — the ship, the Rhine, Carlsbad, a young couple in trouble whom they cannot help minding about. Howells edited The Atlantic and wrote for Harper's, and was the most powerful literary broker in America; here he does middle age exactly, and the kindness of the book is not softness.

Throughout the long centuries of human history is the want, and the need, to share information, to exchange ideas and for that knowledge and experience, for curiosity and learning, to be the basis of a civil society.In literature the ambition is much narrower. In order to be known, to be popular, you had to be published. And for that people had to know you existed and your ideas worth reading. Obviously for most of humanity’s time people couldn’t read and texts couldn’t be publishe...

A self-made paint millionaire from Vermont builds a house on the water side of Beacon Street and discovers that Boston's old families will accept his money and not his daughters. Howells edited The Atlantic and was the most powerful literary man in America; he made his hero's crisis a matter of business ethics rather than romance, which nobody had thought to do.

A Vermont girl of no family is taken up by a rich woman as a companion and carried to Italy — where the arrangement, and everyone's exact idea of what she is owed, comes apart. Howells edited The Atlantic and was the most powerful literary broker in America; this 1899 novel is his quietest anatomy of patronage, and the girl's refusal to be grateful on cue is the whole book.

"The White Mr. Longfellow" is a reflective piece by William Dean Howells that delves into the life and character of the esteemed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Through Howells' lens, readers gain insight into Longfellow's literary contributions and his profound impact on American poetry. The essay captures the essence of Longfellow's gentle spirit and his ability to resonate with the human experience, showcasing how his works have transcended time and continue to inspire generations. How...

"Cambridge Neighbors" is a captivating exploration of the literary and social circles surrounding the esteemed Harvard University. In this work, William Dean Howells delves into the lives and interactions of notable figures, offering readers a glimpse into the intellectual vibrancy of the time. Through his keen observations, Howells paints a rich tapestry of friendships, rivalries, and the cultural milieu that shaped the thoughts and works of these influential individuals. The narrative is...

Silas Lapham's long-lasting paint, made with minerals found on his family's farm in Vermont, has helped make him a millionaire-as has hard work, ambition, and tough business sense. Now that he's reached late middle age, he's a success. A newspaper is writing him up in its "Solid Men of Boston" series, his family goes to seaside resorts in the summer, the scion of the aristocratic Covey family has joined his firm, his daughters have made inroads into 1880s society, and he's even having a la...

Oliver Wendell Holmes, a prominent figure in American literature, is celebrated for his insightful reflections on life, society, and the human condition. His work often blends wit with profound observations, showcasing his keen intellect and deep understanding of the world around him. In "Literary Friends and Acquaintance," Holmes shares anecdotes and critiques of his contemporaries, providing readers with a glimpse into the literary circles of his time. His engaging prose invites readers ...

"A Little Swiss Sojourn" by William Dean Howells is a delightful travel narrative that captures the essence of Switzerland through the eyes of an American traveler. The book reflects Howells' keen observations and appreciation for the picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and the unique culture of the Swiss people. His writing is imbued with a sense of wonder and curiosity, as he explores the natural beauty and the serene lifestyle that Switzerland offers, making it a captivating read...