FOUR BOOKS IN ONE! In one volume, four of William Dean Howell's most beloved and influential novels, masterpieces of American literature and hallmarks in the development of literary realism. Included in this volume: The Rise of Silas Lapham (originally published in 1885) - Indian Summer (originally published in 1886) - A Hazard of New Fortunes (originally published in 1890) - A Traveler From Altruria (originally published in 1894) William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright. He was one of the most important literary figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his works helped to define the era of "realism" in American literature. He was also a prominent figure in the literary circle of New England. Howells was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and was raised in a small Quaker community. He attended school in Hamilton and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1854. After working as a journalist for several years, he became the editor of the Atlantic Monthly in 1871. During his time as editor, Howells wrote and published many of his own works, including the novels A Foregone Conclusion (1875), The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885), and A Modern Instance (1882). He was also a prolific critic, writing reviews and essays on the works of other authors. He was particularly known for his support of the works of Henry James, Mark Twain, and other American writers. Howells was an advocate for social justice and often wrote about current events and issues of the day. He was an early supporter of the women's suffrage movement and wrote several essays in favor of the cause. He was also a vocal critic of racism and prejudice. Howells won numerous awards and honors for his works, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1910 for The Rise of Silas Lapham . He was also the first recipient of the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Gold Medal for Fiction in 1915. He died in 1920 in New York City.