My Literary Passions

"My Literary Passions" by William Dean Howells is a memoir and literary exploration likely written in the late 19th century. The book presents a vivid reflection on Howells’ literary loves and the authors who influenced him throughout his life, serving as both personal reminiscence and broader cultural commentary on reading and literature. At the start of the work, the author sets the stage by recounting his early literary experiences and the familial influences that shaped his reading habits. He reflects on the significance of his childhood bookcase and the many books that inspired him, including works by poets like Goldsmith, Cervantes, and Irving. Howell's writing is imbued with nostalgia as he shares anecdotes about his life intertwined with his reading journey, conveying his passion for literature while hinting at the evolution of his literary tastes and influences over time. The opening portion establishes a strong personal connection to literature, suggesting that the subsequent chapters will deepen this exploration of Howells’ literary passions and the development of his identity as a reader and writer. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters". He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, and the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day," which was adapted into a 1996 film of the same name.