American author, critic, and playwright (1837–1920)

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, playwright, and diplomat, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters".

By globalcelebwiki Auto-import · Published 12 October 2026

Profession
American author, critic, and playwright (1837–1920)
Born
1837-03-01
Portrait of William Dean Howells
Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Overview

William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, playwright, and diplomat, 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.

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