The Coast of Bohemia

Name: The Coast of Bohemia
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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American Literature

About This Book

A young village woman with modest artistic talent leaves her rural surroundings to study in a New York art school; there she encounters the social world of ambitious, fashionable students, friendships and romantic entanglements, including a rival admirer and a more introspective suitor. The narrative observes the contrast between provincial naiveté and urban bohemian manners, satirizes art-school affectations and social posturing, and traces how the heroine and those around her negotiate ambition, affection, and identity. The prose alternates scene-driven episodes with wry authorial commentary on creative process and the fragmentary sources of fictional invention.

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.