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A Hazard of New Fortunes Return to Timeline
A Hazard of New Fortunes
A HAZARD OF NEW FORTUNES, by William Dean Howells
William Dean Howells is frequently cited as the author of the first American novel. A HAZARD OF NEW FORTUNES, published in 1890, is the story of one couple's experiences in the exciting metropolis of New York City. It is marked by the realistic brand of writing for which Howells is famous. More importantly, it draws upon the personally, culturally, and historically significant happenings to which the author had specific access: friendships with literary greats Twain, Dickenson, and James (among others); senior editing positions at the ATLANTIC MONTHLY; and a liberal point of view, particularly during the Haymarket bombing of 1886. Though he is not as widely read today, William Dean Howells remains the father of realism, and a significant member of the American literary canon.

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The American Novel