William Dean Howells

A Counterfeit Presentment; and, The Parlour Car

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

Two enduring one-act plays from the master of American realism, William Dean Howells, are presented in this meticulously prepared edition. "A Counterfeit Presentment and The Parlour Car" offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of 19th-century America through the lens of compelling drama. These short plays, perfect for a single sitting, showcase Howells' sharp wit and keen observations of human nature. "A Counterfeit Presentment" explores themes of mistaken identity and the complexities of perception. "The Parlour Car" transports the reader to a microcosm of society, capturing the nuances of interaction and the unexpected connections forged in transient spaces. This collection provides a valuable snapshot of American drama from a bygone era, demonstrating the enduring power of Howells' storytelling and his contribution to the development of realism in American literature. Perfect for readers interested in historical plays and 19th-century American literature. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Creative Media Partners, LLC
• Seitenzahl: 126
• Erscheinungstermin: 29. März 2025
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 234mm x 156mm x 7mm
• Gewicht: 186g
• ISBN-13: 9781023353328
• ISBN-10: 1023353326
• Artikelnr.: 74117474

Autorenporträt

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.