William Dean Howells
William Dean Howells
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William Dean Howells was born on March 1, 1837, in Martins Ferry, Ohio. His full name is often cited as William Dean Howells, but he is also known by his pen name, William D. Howells.
Birth and Death Dates
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March 1, 1837 - May 11, 1920
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American writer, literary critic, and editor. Howells was a prominent figure in American literature during the late 19th century, known for his contributions to realism and social commentary.
Early Life
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William Dean Howells grew up in a family of modest means. His father, William Cooper Howells, was a justice of the peace, and his mother, Mary Dean Howells, managed the household. The young Howells developed a love for literature at an early age, influenced by his mother's reading habits. He attended public schools in Ohio before enrolling in Ashtabula High School.
Major Accomplishments
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Howells' early career began as a writer and editor in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1866, he moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he befriended notable writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This influential network helped launch his literary career.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Howells' most celebrated works include:
The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885) - a novel that explores the themes of capitalism, social status, and personal growth.
A Modern Instance (1882) - a realist novel set in New England, examining the complexities of marriage and relationships.
* Their Wedding Journey (1873) - a romantic comedy that showcases Howells' ability to balance wit and social commentary.
Impact and Legacy
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William Dean Howells played a significant role in shaping American literature during the late 19th century. His commitment to realism helped redefine the literary landscape, influencing writers such as Mark Twain and Edith Wharton. As an editor for The Atlantic Monthly, he promoted emerging authors and fostered a dialogue between writers and readers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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William Dean Howells is widely quoted and remembered for his astute observations on American society, culture, and politics. His works continue to captivate readers with their nuanced portrayals of everyday life, social issues, and personal struggles. As a literary figure, he remains an important part of the American literary heritage, inspiring new generations of writers and scholars alike.
As Howells wrote in his essay "Editor's Study," "A writer's first duty is to be true to himself." This dedication to authenticity and honesty has left a lasting impact on literature, solidifying his place as one of America's most celebrated writers.
Quotes by William Dean Howells
William Dean Howells's insights on:
It was not a particularly sane spectacle, that impatience to be off to some place that lay not only in the distance, but also in the future – to which no line of road carries you with absolute certainty across an interval of time full of every imaginable chance and influence. It is easy enough to buy a ticket to Cincinnati, but it is somewhat harder to arrive there. Say that all goes well, is it exactly you who arrive?
If we like a man’s dream, we call him a reformer; if we don’t like his dream, we call him a crank.
No, no. I understand that. And I quite agree with you. But you know I’ve always contended that the affections could be made to combine pleasure and profit. I wouldn’t have a man marry for money, – that would be rather bad, – but I don’t see why, when it comes to falling in love, a man shouldn’t fall in love with a rich girl as easily as a poor one. Some of the rich girls are very nice, and I should.
Live all you can. It’s a mistake not to. It doesn’t matter what you do – but live. This place makes it all come over me. I see it now. I haven’t done so – and now I’m old. It’s too late. It has gone past me – I’ve lost it. You have time. You are young. Live!
You’ll find as you grow older that you weren’t born such a great while ago after all. The time shortens up.
All civilization comes through literature now, especially in our country. A Greek got his civilization by talking and looking, and in some measure a Parisian may still do it. But we, who live remote from history and monuments, we must read or we must barbarise.
A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it’s too late to let her know that he sees it.
The secret of a man who is universally interesting is that he is universally interested.