William Dean Howells was born on March 1, 1837, in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He was born into a modest family, the second of eight children. His father, William Cooper Howells, was a printer, and his mother, Mary Dean Howells, instilled a love for literature in her son at an early age. As a young boy, Howells showed a keen interest in reading and writing, which led to his career in journalism and literature. His early experiences in a newspaper office kindled a passion for the written word and he quickly distinguished himself as a bright and talented young writer.

After completing his schooling, Howells worked as a typesetter and printer, honing his skills and gaining valuable insights into the world of publishing. During this time, he also contributed to various newspapers and magazines, a precursor to his future prominence as a critic and essayist. In 1861, at the age of 24, Howells was appointed as an assistant editor for the prestigious Atlantic Monthly. It was at the Atlantic Monthly that Howells developed strong relationships with prominent writers and intellectuals of the time, such as Henry James, Mark Twain, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, among others.

Howells is perhaps best known for his role in promoting literary

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