The Man of Letters as a Man of Business by William Dean Howells
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"The Man of Letters as a Man of Business" by William Dean Howells is a critical examination of the intersection between literary artistry and economic reality, written in the late 19th century. This work can be classified as a literary essay, as it reflects Howells' contemplations on authorship and commercialism within the literary profession. The book addresses the expectations placed upon writers in a society that demands both creative expression and financial
sustainability, revealing the tensions inherent in being a "man of letters" within a capitalist framework. In this essay, Howells discusses the struggles that authors face when attempting to balance their artistic integrity with the realities of making a living. He reflects on how literature, as an art form, often falls prey to market forces that dictate its value and accessibility. Howells critiques the notion that an artist should be compensated in monetary terms for their work, suggesting that the very act of selling one’s art can compromise its intrinsic value. Throughout the book, he illustrates the plight of the writer in a society that acknowledges business as the ultimate measure of worth, while concurrently yearning for a literary culture that would honor the artistic spirit and support authors beyond mere financial transactions. Ultimately, he posits that while the man of letters must navigate the complexities of business, his primary allegiance remains to the art of writing itself. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Howells, William Dean, 1837-1920 |
|---|---|
| Title | The Man of Letters as a Man of Business |
| Credits | Produced by Anthony J. Adam. HTML version by Al Haines. |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 53.4 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PN: Language and Literatures: Literature: General, Criticism, Collections |
| Subject | American literature -- History and criticism |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 724 |
| Release Date | Nov 1, 1996 |
| Last Update | Jan 1, 2021 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 449 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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