A Boy's Town

Name: A Boy's Town
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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American Literature

About This Book

A nostalgic portrait of boyhood in a small river town traces a child's experiences from earliest play through adolescence. Vivid descriptions of rivers, canals, reservoirs, commons, and woods frame seasonal pursuits of fishing, swimming, hunting, and kite-flying. The narrative catalogs schools, games, circuses, elections, holidays, and local customs, alongside superstitions and the shifting fashions of play such as marbles, toy guns, and acrobatics. Interwoven sketches of neighbors, quarrels, pets, foraging adventures, and moments of self-awareness create a textured, observational account of communal life and the habits and temperament that shape boys growing up there.

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.