A Counterfeit Presentment; and, The Parlour Car (ePub)

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an American realist author and literary critic. He earned the moniker 'The Dean of American Letters' and was a central figure in the literary scene of the late 19th century. He not only wrote novels and plays but also contributed significantly to the field of literary criticism. Howells is noted for his desire to portray American life as it really was and to challenge the romantic and genteel traditions of the literary output of his time. His novel 'A Counterfeit Presentment; and, The Parlour Car' is an example of his literary approach, combining elements of social criticism with comedy to explore the complexities of identity and social status. Howells' style is marked by its moral seriousness, narrative understatement, and well-crafted dialogue. A proponent of social realism, he frequently focused on middle-class life and its values, exemplifying this in novels such as 'The Rise of Silas Lapham' and 'A Modern Instance.' Howells was also known for his relationship with other literary giants of his time, notably Mark Twain and Henry James, and for his influence on American literature through his advocacy of realism and his contributions as editor of 'The Atlantic Monthly.' His vast body of work remains a significant cornerstone in the study of American literature and continues to be analyzed for its realistic portrayal of contemporary themes.