William Howells American writer and critic Date of Birth: 01.03.1837 Country: USA

1. William Dean Howells, the Realist
2. Beginnings in Journalism
3. Presidential Biography and New England Connections
4. Consular Experiences and Italian Influence
5. Editor of "The Atlantic Monthly"
6. Social Commentary and Realism
7. Literary Critic and International Influence
8. Social Activism and Controversies
9. Later Works and Legacy

William Dean Howells, the Realist

Born in poverty on March 1, 1837, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, William Dean Howells rose from humble beginnings to become a renowned American writer and critic. Despite dropping out of school at the age of ten, he honed his skills as a typesetter in his father's newspaper, immersing himself in literature.

Beginnings in Journalism

Howells's early career was marked by journalistic endeavors. He published stories, poems, and essays in Columbus, Ohio, newspapers, gaining recognition for his vivid writing style. In 1859, he co-authored his first book, "Poems of Two Friends," with J.J. Piatt.

Presidential Biography and New England Connections

In 1860, Howells published a biography of Abraham Lincoln and embarked on a journey to New England, where he met prominent writers such as James Russell Lowell, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau. His poetry, published in "The Atlantic Monthly," further enhanced his reputation.

Consular Experiences and Italian Influence

From 1861 to 1865, Howells served as U.S. consul in Venice, which profoundly influenced his work. His experiences inspired books like "Venetian Life" (1866) and "Italian Journeys" (1867). The Italian setting found its way into his "Italian" novels, including "A Foregone Conclusion" (1875) and "The Lady of the Aroostook" (1879).

Editor of "The Atlantic Monthly"

As associate editor and later editor of "The Atlantic Monthly" (1866-1881), Howells championed the works of Mark Twain, Henry James, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. His own novel "Their Wedding Journey" (1872) established him as a notable realist writer.

Social Commentary and Realism

Howells's commitment to realism became evident in his later works. "A Modern Instance" (1882) provoked controversy with its exploration of divorce. "The Rise of Silas Lapham" (1885) depicted the moral bankruptcy of an industrialist. "A Hazard of New Fortunes" (1890) examined the challenges faced by a magazine editor under the ownership of an uneducated millionaire.

Literary Critic and International Influence

Howells's "Editor's Study" section in "Harper's Magazine" (1886-1891) provided a platform for his insights on realism, American and international literature, and social issues. He introduced American readers to the works of Leo Tolstoy, Giovanni Verga, and Emilia Pardo Bazán.

Social Activism and Controversies

Throughout his career, Howells fearlessly supported Émile Zola, Thomas Hardy, and other foreign writers who were criticized for naturalism. In an infamous letter to "The Tribune" (1887), he advocated for leniency towards anarchists, stirring public outcry.

Later Works and Legacy

In his later years, Howells's interests shifted towards social and religious themes, reflected in novels like "The Minister's Charge" (1887) and "Annie Kilburn" (1889). His utopian novels "A Traveller from Altruria" (1894) and "Through the Eye of the Needle" (1907) emerged from his engagement with social movements. By the time of his death in New York City on May 11, 1920, Howells had been hailed as the "dean" of American literature. His acclaimed novels, insightful criticism, and unwavering commitment to social justice cemented his legacy as a literary giant.