American Literary Centers (from Literature and Life) by William Dean Howells
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"American Literary Centers (from Literature and Life)" by William Dean Howells is a critical examination of the nature and evolution of American literature, written during the late 19th to early 20th century. This non-fiction work reflects on the dispersion of literary talent across various geographical and cultural centers in the United States, tracking how the absence of a singular literary hub has shaped American literature. It discusses notable literary figures and movements
while contemplating the distinct flavors of literary production in different regions. In the book, Howells contends that America lacks a singular literary center, unlike established counterparts in Europe such as London or Paris. He examines various American cities that have played pivotal roles in literary history, such as Boston, New York, and San Francisco, highlighting key writers from each period and location. Howells notes that after the Civil War, American literature began to emerge as a coherent identity, characterized by regional voices and local dialects. He surveys the contributions of authors from the West, South, and Midwest, showcasing how a decentralized literary landscape reflects the broader cultural and social diversity of the nation. Ultimately, Howells presents a nuanced view of American literature, emphasizing its honesty and fidelity to varied life experiences despite the ongoing struggle to establish a dominant literary center. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Howells, William Dean, 1837-1920 |
|---|---|
| Title | American Literary Centers (from Literature and Life) |
| Credits | Produced by David Widger |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 64.0 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature |
| Subject | Essays |
| Subject | American literature |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 3382 |
| Release Date | Oct 22, 2004 |
| Last Update | Jan 8, 2021 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 305 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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