William Dean Howells Quotes

A collection of quotes by William Dean Howells.

William Dean Howells was an American author, literary critic, and editor, born on March 1, 1837, in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Considered one of the foremost literary figures of the 19th century, Howells is renowned for his contributions to American literature and his influential role in shaping the literary landscape of his time.

Howells began his career as a printer's apprentice, and later worked as a reporter for various newspapers. Eventually, he became the editor-in-chief of the prestigious Atlantic Monthly, a position he held for a decade. As an editor, Howells championed the works of many significant writers of his era, including Mark Twain, Henry James, and Edith Wharton.

Although Howells achieved success as an editor, his true passion lay in writing fiction. He authored over forty novels, numerous short stories, plays, and travel books. Howells' writing often focused on the social issues of the time, capturing the realities and complexities of American life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

His works, including "The Rise of Silas Lapham," "A Hazard of New Fortunes," and "The Bostonians," reflected his commitment to realism and his examination of class, gender, and societal changes. Howells played a significant role in spreading the movement of literary realism in the United States and was considered a prominent advocate for this literary style.

William Dean Howells passed away on May 11, 1920, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a writer, editor, and contributor to the American literary canon.