Subject
Novelists, American -- 19th century -- Biography Books
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Raymond M. (Raymond Melbourne) Weaver
Herman Melville, Mariner and Mystic
"Herman Melville, Mariner and Mystic" by Raymond M. Weaver is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book examines the life, experiences, and literary contributions of Herman Melville, an influential American author best known for his novel "Moby-Dick." The focus is on Melville's tumultuous career, reflecting on his early successes and the subsequent obscurity he faced, as well as offering insights into the personal and cultural contexts of his life, including his rich lineage and struggles with recognition. The opening of this biography sets the stage for Melville's complex character and multifaceted life experiences. It starts with a letter from Melville to his friend Nathaniel Hawthorne, hinting at his sense of melancholy and the burdens of literary fame. Weaver portrays Melville as a "gentleman adventurer" who immersed himself in the harsh realities of life at sea and the cultural richness of the Pacific, which informed his later writings. The narrative delves into themes of ambition and despair, underscoring Melville's ironic relationship with fame and the literary establishment, as well as exploring his inner conflicts and philosophical leanings.
Frank Preston Stearns
The Life and Genius of Nathaniel Hawthorne
"The Life and Genius of Nathaniel Hawthorne" by Frank Preston Stearns is a biographical account written in the late 19th century that explores the life, experiences, and literary achievements of Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of America's revered authors. The book not only delves into Hawthorne's personal history but also seeks to provide critical insights into his literary genius, highlighting the influences that shaped his works and character. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing Salem, Massachusetts, a significant location in Hawthorne's life and ancestry. It details the historical significance of Salem and introduces readers to the Hathorne family lineage, from early settlers to the impacts of the Salem witchcraft trials, which resonate in Hawthorne's later writings. The text also provides context regarding Hawthorne's ancestors' roles within the community, particularly with regards to the colonial period. This foundation allows for a deeper understanding of the environment in which Hawthorne was born and raised, ultimately framing the narrative of his subsequent life and literary pursuits.
Julian Hawthorne
Hawthorne and His Circle
"Hawthorne and His Circle" by Julian Hawthorne is a memoir-like historical account written in the late 19th century. The book reflects on the life and friendships of Nathaniel Hawthorne, particularly highlighting his relationships with prominent literary figures of his time, as well as the author's own experiences growing up as the son of the renowned novelist. It explores themes of legacy, creativity, and the impact of genius, particularly through the lens of familial and artistic connections. The opening of the book introduces the reader to Julian Hawthorne's reflections on his father, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and his privileged upbringing among literary giants such as Emerson and Thoreau. The author expresses his gradual realization of the unique advantages of his heritage amidst the warmth of these friendships. As he recounts his childhood memories, Julian conveys a deep reverence for his father's literary pursuits and the profound influences of those surrounding him. This initial glimpse into his formative years sets the stage for a more detailed exploration of the additional figures and events that shaped both his and his father’s lives, emphasizing the interplay between personal and shared experiences in the realm of literature.
George Edward Woodberry
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"Nathaniel Hawthorne" by George Edward Woodberry is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life and literary contributions of Nathaniel Hawthorne, focusing on his ancestry, early life, and the formative years that shaped him into one of American literature's pivotal figures. The opening of the biography outlines the lineage of Hawthorne's family, tracing back to England and emphasizing key ancestors who played significant roles in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It illustrates the somber environment in which Nathaniel was raised, including the impact of his father's early death and his mother's long-standing grief, which colored his childhood and influenced his future writing. As Hawthorne grows up, the narrative captures his early literary inclinations, his relationship with books, and the solitude he often embraced, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his complex character and creative endeavors in the subsequent chapters.
Henry James
Hawthorne (English Men of Letters Series)
"Hawthorne" by Henry James is a book of literary criticism published in 1879. James examines his predecessor Nathaniel Hawthorne's novels, short stories, and life, exploring their shared interest in moral complexity, guilt, and human ambiguity. While praising Hawthorne's craftsmanship and psychological insight, James critiques his heavy symbolism and allegory. The book became controversial for James' famous commentary on what American life lacked for novelistic interest. Written without academic jargon, it remains accessible and insightful, offering James' surprisingly humorous observations on Hawthorne's occasional flights of fancy.
George Parsons Lathrop
A Study of Hawthorne
"A Study of Hawthorne" by George Parsons Lathrop is a literary essay written during the late 19th century. This work focuses on the life and artistry of Nathaniel Hawthorne, examining his background, influences, and the unique character of his literary genius. Rather than serving as a traditional biography, Lathrop presents a more subjective portrait inspired by his own insights and sympathies towards Hawthorne’s life, emphasizing both personal and historical contexts that shaped the author’s renowned works. The opening of the text introduces the author’s intent, stating that the study is not a biography but a conceptual portrait of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Lathrop expresses a desire to synthesize Hawthorne's life experiences, particularly his roots in Salem, and how these influenced his literary output. He reflects on the Puritan heritage that shaped the culture of Hawthorne's time, acknowledging how the town's history of religious fervor and superstition contributed to Hawthorne's literary themes. Lathrop further delves into the early influences on Hawthorne's character and writing style, suggesting that his melancholic disposition and imaginative depth were responses in part to his family's lineage and the weight of their past.
Mary Elizabeth Phillips
James Fenimore Cooper
"James Fenimore Cooper" by Mary Elizabeth Phillips is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The text focuses on the life of the prominent American author James Fenimore Cooper, detailing his upbringing, familial influences, and the environment that shaped his career in literature. Through a personal lens, the book seeks to explore Cooper not just as an acclaimed writer of romantic fiction but as a man whose experiences are intertwined with the history of America and its landscapes. The opening of the biography establishes the context of Cooper's life by introducing his family background and the historical setting of his early years. It describes his birth in Burlington, New Jersey, and explains how his father's migration to Cooperstown, instigated by financial troubles, laid the groundwork for Cooper's creation of iconic characters like Leatherstocking. The narrative highlights the formative experiences of Cooper's youth, including the rich natural surroundings of Otsego, the influence of Native American culture, and his family's deep roots in the local community. This foundational period is portrayed with an emphasis on the events and people who shaped him, intertwining personal anecdotes with larger historical themes, setting the stage for Cooper’s future literary contributions.
George Lewis Prentiss
The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss
"The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss" by George Lewis Prentiss is a memoir and autobiographical account focused on the life of Elizabeth Prentiss, a woman known for her Christian writings and influence in the 19th century. The narrative begins in the early 19th century and continues through key events in her life, emphasizing her childhood, familial influences, and her developing spirituality. The memoir selects letters and journal entries that showcase her relationships, challenges, and triumphs, aiming to present a holistic view of her character and beliefs. The opening of this memoir introduces Elizabeth Prentiss’s early years, framing her upbringing in a devout Puritan family in Portland, Maine. It details her birth and childhood, highlighting the strong influence of her father, Dr. Edward Payson, a respected minister whose piety shaped her spiritual development. As the text unfolds, it portrays Elizabeth as an insightful and sensitive child, deeply affected by her family’s religious heritage and her father's example, participating in a nurturing yet spiritually charged environment. This section sets the foundation for her later experiences and writings, hinting at the struggles and growth that would characterize her life as she faced various personal and spiritual challenges.
Amelia E. Barr
All the Days of My Life: An Autobiography The Red Leaves of a Human Heart
"All the Days of My Life: An Autobiography" by Amelia E. Barr is an autobiography written in the early 20th century. In this work, Barr chronicles her life from her early childhood in England through her experiences that shaped her perspectives and identity, paying particular attention to her family and the socio-cultural environment of her upbringing. With a strong voice, she aims to recount not only the events of her life but also the underlying emotions, thoughts, and transformations she has undergone. The opening of the autobiography introduces Barr's perspective on writing about herself, acknowledging the personal nature of her narrative while also indicating that it arises from a necessity to clarify misconceptions about her life. She expresses a desire to connect with women who may find strength and comfort in her experiences. As she reflects on her childhood, she conveys vivid memories of her family, early beliefs, and the societal norms surrounding her, all while revealing her spiritual contemplations regarding life, death, and the roles of women. Notably, her rich recollections serve as a means of understanding her development and the challenges she faced, which promise to resonate with readers who value personal journeys and historical contexts within autobiographical literature.
Rose Hawthorne Lathrop
Memories of Hawthorne
"Memories of Hawthorne" by Rose Hawthorne Lathrop is a biographical account written during the late 19th century. This work compiles reflections and letters from Sophia Hawthorne, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of Nathaniel Hawthorne through the eyes of his family, particularly focusing on Sophia's experiences and interactions with prominent literary figures of their time. At the start of the memoir, the author explains her intent to share memories of her mother and the Hawthorne family, highlighting the warmth of correspondence and the beauty of their social circle, especially in connection to the Peabody family. The narrative emphasizes the close relationships between the Hawthornes and the Peabodys, detailing their character traits and artistic pursuits. We see glimpses of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s personality as a private yet profound man, and how his future wife, Sophia, plays a crucial role in navigating the social environment that filled their lives with intellectual and creative stimulus. This opening portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the Hawthorne family's life, marked by both tranquility and artistic fervor.
Thomas Raynesford Lounsbury
James Fenimore Cooper American Men of Letters
"James Fenimore Cooper" by Thomas Raynesford Lounsbury is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the life and legacy of the seminal American novelist James Fenimore Cooper, exploring his upbringing, formative experiences, and literary achievements. It provides insights into Cooper's character, his early life spent in the wilderness, and the influences that shaped his writing style and themes. The beginning of the biography delves into Cooper's origins, detailing his family's settlement in Cooperstown, New York, and the natural environment that surrounded his childhood. Lounsbury outlines Cooper's formative years, including his education and early interests, which were deeply intertwined with the landscapes and community of the American frontier. The author discusses Cooper's eventual dismissal from Yale and subsequent entry into the navy, setting the stage for his later literary career. This section establishes the connection between Cooper's experiences and the themes found in his works, emphasizing the impact of the wilderness and its inhabitants on his eventual development as an author.
George Parsons Lathrop
The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Appendix to Volume XII: Tales, Sketches, and other Papers by Nathaniel Hawthorne with a Biographical Sketch by George Parsons Lathrop Biographical Sketch of Nathaniel Hawthorne
"The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Appendix to Volume XII: Tales, Sketches, and Other Papers" is a collection of narratives and essays written in the mid-19th century. This volume is part of a comprehensive set that showcases Hawthorne's literary contributions, including unique tales and sketches that delve into themes of morality, human nature, and the complexities of society. The artistically illustrated edition also features a biographical sketch by George Parsons Lathrop, which adds depth to the understanding of Hawthorne's life and works. The opening portion of the collection presents a detailed biographical context for Nathaniel Hawthorne, tracing his ancestry and early life in Salem, Massachusetts. It provides insights into his family background, highlighting the influence of his parents and the Salem witch trials on his formative years. The narrative describes Hawthorne's childhood experiences, his early education, and his literary aspirations, painting a picture of a sensitive and introspective boy shaped by loss and solitude. This initial exploration not only establishes Hawthorne's character but also sets the tone for the rich and varied tales that follow in the collection.
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