Travel Books (eBook)

William Dean Howells (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
1120 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654739834-9 (EAN)

Infos

In 'Travel Books', a collection rich with the fabric of various cultures, William Dean Howells embellishes the realist canon with his distinct, vivid portrayals of the European landscape and its social milieu. The prose weaves through cities like Venice, Rome, and London, capturing the nuances of the epoch with an acute observant eye that typified Howells' astute literary disposition. The works compile travel sketches, correspondence, and contemplative expositions that not only draw pictures of geographical beauty but also interrogate the social dynamics of the 19th century. Familiar Spanish Travels, London Films, and Seven English Cities showcase the diversity of Howell's experiences, presented with the literary style of narrative non-fiction and the context of transatlantic cultural exchanges and reflections.

William Dean Howells' stature as a leading figure in American realism and his experiences as a consul in Venice have profoundly influenced his travel writings. Serving in a key diplomatic role, he assimilated the subtleties of the Italian way of life and later other European cultures. His travels and subsequent expositions on diverse places and people reflect a critical engagement with the world, shaping the realist aesthetic in the literature of his homeland. His unique blend of narrative skill and cultural commentary stems from deep personal involvement with the scenes and societies he describes, creating texts that are insightful observations as much as they are enchanting narratives.

Readers who appreciate nuanced descriptions interlaced with thoughtful cultural critique will find 'Travel Books' an invaluable addition to their collection. Howells' pioneering realist approach in capturing essence over mere appearance resonates throughout the book, offering an invitation to understand the world through his discerning 19th-century American lens. Academics, historians, and literary enthusiasts eager to explore the European social fabric of the past through the eyes of a celebrated American realist will find in this collection a symphony of eloquent and insightful tales penned by one of the masters of American letters.

Autor

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was a preeminent American literary figure of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Often referred to as 'The Dean of American Letters', Howells played a significant role in shaping realist literature in the United States. His work typically addressed social issues and the complexities of American life, blending humor, psychological insight, and a keen observation of detail. Howells not only wrote novels, but he was also a prolific writer of literary criticism, essays, and travel books, in which he presented his observations of different cultures with an eye for detail and a critical mindset. His travel literature extends beyond mere tourist narratives to become a nuanced examination of the places and societies he visited. Revered for his pleasant style and literary acumen, Howells' contributions go beyond his own works, as he was a mentor to many younger writers and served as editor of the Atlantic Monthly. His position allowed him to encourage and publish works by now-famous authors such as Mark Twain and Henry James, thereby shaping the direction of American literature. His commitment to literary realism and his vast body of work, including his travel books, establish Howells as a central figure in American letters, whose influence persisted long after his death.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 13.11.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur
• Themenwelt: Reisen ► Reiseberichte ► Europa
• Schlagworte: 19th century travel writers • Bill Bryson • Classic • classic travel narratives • Edgar Rice Burroughs • European travel literature • Gulliver's Travels • Historical • historical travelogues Europe • Howells European adventures • Into the wild • Italian cultural journeys • Italian journey accounts • Italy exploration books • Jack London • John Muir • John Steinbeck • Literary travelogues • Mark Twain • on the road • Robert Louis Stevenson • Tales of the Alhambra • William Dean Howells travel