Showing results by author "William Dean" in All Categories

With touches of humor, pathos, and romance, author William Dean Howells questions the nature of the spiritual and leaves the answers to the listener in this unusual collection of ghost stories from the 19th century. A famed proponent of literary realism, Howells focuses not on the supernatural elements of ghostly encounters, but on the psychological responses of his characters.

We all look up at the moon and wonder. And maybe dream. For centuries, the moon filled our imaginations. Eleven professional writers took those dreams and set original stories on moons scattered all over the galaxy. Yet, as the dreams of centuries, every story holds a human touch. From a mythical man fulfilling a childhood wish to a fantastic addition to Kristine Kathryn Rusch's best-selling Retrieval Artist series, this volume of Fiction River allows you to travel to 11 different moons without leaving the comfort of home.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Florences Anglo-American colony in the late 19th century, this enchanting romantic tale follows a middle-aged man as he returns to the site of his first unrequited love, two decades later. While the lives of Americans abroad were often depicted in the works of Henry James and Edith Wharton, Howells offers a unique perspective. As John Updike aptly noted, “the felicity of the writing makes us pause in admiration…. A midlife crisis has rarely been captured in fiction with such humor, gentle comedy, and a gracious acceptance of lifes irrevocability.” ...

Join the charming world of William Dean Howells as he narrates five enchanting stories for children, featuring the beloved characters the papa, the girl, and the boy. Known as The Dean of American Letters, Howells was a prominent American realist author and literary critic. His works, including the delightful Christmas tale Christmas Every Day and the acclaimed novel The Rise of Silas Lapham, continue to captivate readers. (Reader’s Note for story 3 A pony engine is a small locomotive used for switching cars between tracks.) (Summary by Wikipedia and David Wales)

Grab yourself a hot chocolate and get cosy for a collection of wintery Christmas stories that will have your little ones dreaming of Santa Claus and his reindeers.

In Coast of Bohemia, William Dean Howells masterfully critiques bourgeois values through the compelling story of Cornelia Saunders. With her life seemingly perfect—filled with comfort, beauty, and the attention of charming young men—Cornelia is torn between the allure of respectable society and the enticing yet dubious world of bohemian Art and Poetry. As she hesitantly prepares to step into Bohemia, she risks everything for what could be her artistic Gift. True to his iconoclastic style, Howells keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering until the very end about Cornelia’s fate...

After spending 11 years in the captivating city of Rome, Annie Kilburn returns to the United States following her fathers passing. Upon her return, she discovers that the home she once knew has transformed in profound ways. As she begins working with sick children, she finds herself forming deep connections with them and with the compassionate minister, Mr. Peck, who supports her journey. (Summary by Stav Nisser)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have Christmas everyday? Well, one little girl did and it did not turn out as she expected…

Set in the early 1890s at a chic summer resort on the East Coast of the United States, Traveller from Altruria unfolds the intriguing tale of Mr. Twelvemough, an author chosen to host a remarkable visitor from the distant island of Altruria. Mr. Homos arrives in America, eager to witness firsthand the nations celebrated ideals of democracy and equality. However, as he interacts with Twelvemough and his circle of acquaintances—each equally curious about Altruria—an unexpected revelation emerges the United States is significantly trailing behind Altruria in nearly every aspect of life, from ...

Join us for a delightful romp through a charming tea party hosted by the endearing Mrs. Amy Somers, a widow surrounded by love and laughter. In this whimsical romantic comedy, Mr. Willis Campbell, a sweet-natured suitor, brings joy and a touch of mischief as he vies for her affection amidst a cast of quirky characters. With twelve short scenes that capture the essence of romance and humor, this story is sure to warm your heart. (Summary by Ruth Golding)

Welcome to the Storyweavers' den. We're your hosts Dean Bradley and John William Worth. If you've ever been curious about what goes on under the hood in your favorite piece of media, and how it came to be, this podcast is for you.Get cozy and venture with us as we discuss any and all things story. From concept to publication; from books and movies, to comics and music; everything and anything is on the table. Join us as we discuss amongst ourselves, as well as with other storytellers among various artistic fields, what makes a good story.

This classic short story from William Dean Howells finds a brother and sister fairly demanding their papa to tell them a story. As a long-standing storyteller, papa is reluctant to dream up something new. The demands of children often mean that a parent will do things they never thought they would, if only to salvage their own sanity. A memorable tale for all ages. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

American writer William Dean Howells delights us with his cautiously cynical yet endearing telling of the night before Christmas at the Fountain household. Published in The Daughter of the Storage and Other Things in Prose and Verse in 1916, Howells’ sense of realism and social criticism hides behind the humorous banter between Mr. and Mrs. Fountain, as well as relatives passing by. Raging consumerism, New Year’s resolutions, lovingly marital insults, reflections and memories, and a whole bunch of bathrobes!

Experience the enchanting world of Venice through the eyes of William Dean Howells, who served as the American Consul to this iconic city for four years until 1865. While immersed in Venetian culture, Howells penned his observations and reflections, crafting a vivid portrait of the city and its people. This second edition offers an expanded view, enriched with insights for modern tourists. Please note that while Howells expresses admiration for various communities, his use of period language and terms may be jarring to contemporary readers, especially regarding race.

In the wake of the Civil War, William Dean Howells dedicated 15 years to shaping the literary landscape as Assistant Editor and then Editor of the esteemed Atlantic Magazine. Renowned as a prolific novelist, he published Years of My Youth in 1916, offering a poignant reflection on his early years in Ohio. This evocative memoir spans his earliest memories through his twenties, right at the onset of the Civil War. With rich detail, Howells paints a vivid picture of the culture and pressing issues of the 1840s and 1850s in the American Midwest, inviting readers to journey through his formative ...

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) forged a deep friendship with Mark Twain beginning in 1869, when Twain entered The Atlantic Monthlys Boston office to express his gratitude for Howells positive review of *Innocents Abroad*. As Howells later assumed the role of editor, The Atlantic Monthly became a pivotal platform for many of Twains works, including his acclaimed non-fiction piece, *Life on the Mississippi*. In *My Mark Twain*, Howells shares a captivating literary memoir filled with remarkable anecdotes, including their encounters with former President Ulysses Grant, who was then crafting his...