William Dean Howells 
The White Mr. Longfellow (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance) 

William Dean Howells’ ‘The White Mr. Longfellow (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)’ is a captivating exploration of the relationship between two literary giants, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the lesser-known Mr. Longfellow. Howells skillfully weaves together anecdotes and insights into the personalities and works of these two men, shedding light on their interactions and influences on each other’s writing. The book’s prose is elegant and insightful, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the literary context of the time and the dynamics between writers of different stature. William Dean Howells, a prominent literary figure himself, was uniquely positioned to delve into the lives of these two authors. His own experiences in the literary world surely informed his perspective and analysis, making ‘The White Mr. Longfellow’ a valuable contribution to the study of American literature. I highly recommend ‘The White Mr. Longfellow’ to readers interested in the history of American literature, the relationships between writers, and the influence of one writer on another. Howells’ thoughtful exploration of Longfellow and Mr. Longfellow’s connection offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of literary friendships and influences.