William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an American novelist, literary critic, and editor, widely regarded as the "Dean of American Letters" during the late 19th century. A leading advocate of literary realism, Howells sought to depict everyday life and ordinary people with honesty and nuance, in contrast to the romanticized fiction of his time. His notable works include The Rise of Silas Lapham, A Modern Instance, and A Hazard of New Fortunes. As editor of The Atlantic Monthly, he championed emerging writers like Henry James and Mark Twain. Howells played a crucial role in shaping American literature and its move toward realism and social critique