The White Mr. Longfellow (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)

Name: The White Mr. Longfellow (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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About This Book

A memoir-style account recalls the author's move to a modest Cambridge house and his immersion in a congenial, bookish community that valued intellect over wealth. He depicts village-like social habits, neighbors who were authors and scholars, and the gradual opening of literary life around him. The narrative concentrates on the Dante Club, where the poet Longfellow read and revised his Paradiso translation while peers offered close, candid criticism, and it conveys the poet's gentle dignity, the rigor of scholarly exchange, and affectionate, observational portraits of domestic surroundings and the town's cultivated, democratic atmosphere.

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.