Realism in American Fiction: Contribution of William Dean Howells

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Sangeeta Handa

• Language: English

• ISBN: 8170336503

• Publication Year: 2001

• Pages: 172

• Binding: Hardback

• Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches

• Release Date: 1 January 2001

• Sale Territory: India

About the Book

In a literary climate dominated by modernist, post-modernist, and even post-post-modernist trends, realism is often dismissed as outdated. William Dean Howells (1837–1920), once a leading figure of American realism for nearly three decades, has largely faded from the contemporary literary scene.

This book by Sangeeta Handa aims to revive interest in Howells, focusing on his representative novels through two critical lenses:

1. The contemporary context in which he lived and wrote.

2. The post-modernist context of today, reinterpreting his works for modern readers.

Through a fresh and realistic analysis, the study sheds light on overlooked aspects of Howells’ writing, demonstrating its continued relevance in literary studies despite shifting trends.

About the Author

Sangeeta Handa teaches in the Post-Graduate Department of English at Government Mohindra College, Patiala. A dedicated researcher, she has presented papers at numerous academic conferences and seminars, with a particular interest in literary theory and comparative literature.