Authors and Friends By: Annie Fields (1834-1915)
Annie Fields’ book, Authors and Friends, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of various influential authors and the friendships they formed throughout their careers. With rich anecdotes and intimate details, Fields paints a vivid picture of the literary world during the late 19th century. One of the standout qualities of Authors and Friends is Fields’ ability to bring each author to life. Through her extensive research and personal connections, she presents nuanced portrayals of luminaries such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. The reader gets a sense of their personality, quirks, and struggles, making them feel like real people rather than just names on a page. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the friendships between these authors. Fields explores the bonds that formed among them, from mentoring relationships to deep, lifelong connections. By illustrating the impact of these friendships, Fields showcases how collaboration and support were integral to the literary landscape of the time. This narrative choice adds a layer of depth and humanity to the book, highlighting the importance of personal connections in the creative process. Fields’ writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book accessible to both avid readers and those with a passing interest in literature. Her prose flows smoothly, and the pacing keeps the reader intrigued and eager to turn the page. Throughout the book, she incorporates witty anecdotes and charming quotes, which contribute to the sense of camaraderie among the authors she profiles. However, it is worth noting that the book occasionally veers into hagiography, presenting the authors in an overwhelmingly positive light. While this may be intentional to convey an admiration for their work and character, it does at times feel overly idealized. Some readers may have preferred a more balanced exploration of both the strengths and flaws of these authors. Overall, Authors and Friends offers a delightful exploration of the lives and friendships of influential authors. With its vivid storytelling, memorable anecdotes, and emphasis on the power of camaraderie, this book serves as not only a valuable historical document but also an inspiring testament to the profound impact that writers can have on each other's lives. Fans of literature and those interested in the human side of the writing process will find this book to be a captivating read. First Page: AUTHORS AND FRIENDS by ANNIE FIELDS '"The Company of the Leaf" wore laurel chaplets "whose lusty green may not appaired be." They represent the brave and steadfast of all ages, the great knights and champions, the constant lovers and pure women of past and present times.' Keping beautie fresh and greene For there nis storme that ne may hem deface. GEOFFREY CHAUCER. CONTENTS LONGFELLOW: 1807 1882 GLIMPSES OF EMERSON OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES: PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS AND UNPUBLISHED LETTERS DAYS WITH MRS. STOWE CELIA THAXTER WHITTIER: NOTES OF HIS LIFE AND OF HIS FRIENDSHIPS TENNYSON LADY TENNYSON LONGFELLOW: 1807 1882 Every year when the lilac buds begin to burst their sheaths and until the full blown clusters have spent themselves in the early summer air, the remembrance of Longfellow something of his presence wakes with us in the morning and recurs with every fragrant breeze. "Now is the time to come to Cambridge," he would say; "the lilacs are getting ready to receive you." It was the most natural thing in the world that he should care for this common flower, because in spite of a fine separateness from dusty levels which everyone felt who approached him, he was first of all a seer of beauty in common things and a singer to the universal heart... Continue reading book >>

Authors and Friends By: Annie Fields (1834-1915)

Annie Fields’ book, Authors and Friends, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of various influential authors and the friendships they formed throughout their careers. With rich anecdotes and intimate details, Fields paints a vivid picture of the literary world during the late 19th century.

One of the standout qualities of Authors and Friends is Fields’ ability to bring each author to life. Through her extensive research and personal connections, she presents nuanced portrayals of luminaries such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. The reader gets a sense of their personality, quirks, and struggles, making them feel like real people rather than just names on a page.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the friendships between these authors. Fields explores the bonds that formed among them, from mentoring relationships to deep, lifelong connections. By illustrating the impact of these friendships, Fields showcases how collaboration and support were integral to the literary landscape of the time. This narrative choice adds a layer of depth and humanity to the book, highlighting the importance of personal connections in the creative process.

Fields’ writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book accessible to both avid readers and those with a passing interest in literature. Her prose flows smoothly, and the pacing keeps the reader intrigued and eager to turn the page. Throughout the book, she incorporates witty anecdotes and charming quotes, which contribute to the sense of camaraderie among the authors she profiles.

However, it is worth noting that the book occasionally veers into hagiography, presenting the authors in an overwhelmingly positive light. While this may be intentional to convey an admiration for their work and character, it does at times feel overly idealized. Some readers may have preferred a more balanced exploration of both the strengths and flaws of these authors.

Overall, Authors and Friends offers a delightful exploration of the lives and friendships of influential authors. With its vivid storytelling, memorable anecdotes, and emphasis on the power of camaraderie, this book serves as not only a valuable historical document but also an inspiring testament to the profound impact that writers can have on each other's lives. Fans of literature and those interested in the human side of the writing process will find this book to be a captivating read.

First Page:

AUTHORS AND FRIENDS by ANNIE FIELDS

'"The Company of the Leaf" wore laurel chaplets "whose lusty green may not appaired be." They represent the brave and steadfast of all ages, the great knights and champions, the constant lovers and pure women of past and present times.'

Keping beautie fresh and greene For there nis storme that ne may hem deface.

GEOFFREY CHAUCER.

CONTENTS

LONGFELLOW: 1807 1882

GLIMPSES OF EMERSON

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES: PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS AND UNPUBLISHED LETTERS

DAYS WITH MRS. STOWE

CELIA THAXTER

WHITTIER: NOTES OF HIS LIFE AND OF HIS FRIENDSHIPS

TENNYSON

LADY TENNYSON

LONGFELLOW: 1807 1882

Every year when the lilac buds begin to burst their sheaths and until the full blown clusters have spent themselves in the early summer air, the remembrance of Longfellow something of his presence wakes with us in the morning and recurs with every fragrant breeze. "Now is the time to come to Cambridge," he would say; "the lilacs are getting ready to receive you."

It was the most natural thing in the world that he should care for this common flower, because in spite of a fine separateness from dusty levels which everyone felt who approached him, he was first of all a seer of beauty in common things and a singer to the universal heart... Continue reading book >>

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