A Belated Guest (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)

"A Belated Guest (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)" by William Dean Howells is a reflective account written in the late 19th century. This work is a literary reminiscence, highlighting the author’s encounters with notable literary figures, notably Bret Harte, a prominent American author. The book captures the essence of Howells' experiences and observations, painting a vivid picture of the literary landscape of the time and the personalities that inhabited it. In this piece, Howells recounts his delightful week spent hosting Bret Harte, who was celebrated for his evocative stories set in California. Through a warm narrative, the text illustrates their interactions, emphasizing Harte's charming yet slightly chaotic nature, as he often arrived late to events and effortlessly captivated his hosts and fellow literati. Howells reflects on their conversations, Harte’s keen observations, and his somewhat ironical perspective towards literary conventions and celebrated personalities. This account serves not only as a tribute to Harte’s vibrancy as a guest but also as a commentary on the literary scene of his time, embodying a blend of reverence and lighthearted critique of the complexities surrounding literary fame and friendship. (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.