Fennel and Rue

Name: Fennel and Rue
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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American Literature

About This Book

The narrative follows Verrian, an earnest writer whose long struggle for recognition culminates in the publication of a successful serial. Fame brings both tasteful critical approval and intrusive popular attention—letters from ardent readers, social invitations, and gossip—while domestic scenes with his mother reveal private anxieties and moral care. Through episodes of publishing, correspondence, and society encounters, the work satirizes social pretension, probes artistic integrity and reader expectation, and balances psychological observation with gentle comic criticism of cultural manners.

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.