“The action is best that secures the greatest happiness for the greatest number.” -William D. Howells. Those were just a few of the many wise words that author William D. Howells had said. William Dean Howells was the most influential 19th-20th century novelist, author, editor, literary critic, and playwright. He was an American realist, and was nicknamed, “The Dean of American Letters". Howells is well known for authoring stories, such as "Christmas Every Day", and novels like The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, among many others. His interest in literature started at a young age, and was probably passed down to him by his father , who made his living as a printer and publisher.
William Dean Howells was born in Martinsville, …show more content…
Howells served as the editor and critic to some of their works, and published them, too. However, his relationship with Twain resulted in some controversy; contentious literary critics accused Howells of censoring and distorting the writings of his dear friend. Howells and Twain disregarded the claims and continued to share a friendly and professional relationship. Howells was a very helpful editor and critic for both, Twain and James. He helped them in their writing endeavors, and they positively influenced him in …show more content…
He reviewed and appreciated the poems of Emily Dickinson, and was the first credible critic to praise fellow author Stephen Crane. Howells included his opinions of them and their works in his regular review column in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, called “Editor’s Study”, which later became the “Editor’s Easy Chair”. Also during that time, Howells became known as “The Dean of American Letters”. He was the first president of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, thus earning that reputable nickname, as well as the Howells Medal for Fiction. He held his position as president of the academy for thirteen years before his death. William D. Howells died in his sleep of pneumonia on May 11, 1920. He was 86 years old when he passed away. He is buried in the Cambridge Cemetery near his friend and colleague, Henry
William Dean Howells was born in Martinsville, …show more content…
Howells served as the editor and critic to some of their works, and published them, too. However, his relationship with Twain resulted in some controversy; contentious literary critics accused Howells of censoring and distorting the writings of his dear friend. Howells and Twain disregarded the claims and continued to share a friendly and professional relationship. Howells was a very helpful editor and critic for both, Twain and James. He helped them in their writing endeavors, and they positively influenced him in …show more content…
He reviewed and appreciated the poems of Emily Dickinson, and was the first credible critic to praise fellow author Stephen Crane. Howells included his opinions of them and their works in his regular review column in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, called “Editor’s Study”, which later became the “Editor’s Easy Chair”. Also during that time, Howells became known as “The Dean of American Letters”. He was the first president of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, thus earning that reputable nickname, as well as the Howells Medal for Fiction. He held his position as president of the academy for thirteen years before his death. William D. Howells died in his sleep of pneumonia on May 11, 1920. He was 86 years old when he passed away. He is buried in the Cambridge Cemetery near his friend and colleague, Henry