Francis Hopkinson Smith 
Colonel Carter’s Christmas and The Romance of an Old-Fashioned Gentleman 

In ‘Colonel Carter’s Christmas and The Romance of an Old-Fashioned Gentleman’, Francis Hopkinson Smith takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the old-fashioned charm of Christmas in the South. Written in a descriptive and sentimental style, Smith’s work captures the essence of small-town life, family traditions, and the warmth of the holiday season. Set in a bygone era, the book reflects the literary context of sentimental realism, showcasing the author’s attention to detail and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia in readers. Through the intertwining stories of Colonel Carter and an old-fashioned gentleman, Smith explores themes of love, friendship, and the joy of giving during the Christmas season. Francis Hopkinson Smith, a renowned American author and artist, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of society to compose this heartwarming tale. His background in engineering and architecture adds a unique perspective to his writing, blending technical precision with artistic expression. As a well-traveled individual, Smith brings a cosmopolitan flair to his characters and settings, creating a rich tapestry of diverse personalities. I highly recommend ‘Colonel Carter’s Christmas and The Romance of an Old-Fashioned Gentleman’ to readers who appreciate classic literature, historical fiction, and heartwarming Christmas stories. Smith’s vivid storytelling and profound insights into human nature make this book a delightful read that will leave you feeling nostalgic and uplifted.

About the author

Francis Hopkinson Smith (1838–1915) was an American author, artist, and engineer, whose literary contributions encapsulate the romanticism and charm of the genteel society of his time. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Smith was not only a prolific writer but also an accomplished engineer, having designed the foundation for the Statue of Liberty. His foray into literature revealed a predilection for stories that blend humor, warmth, and an astute understanding of human nature, often set against the backdrop of the American South. ‘Colonel Carter’s Christmas and The Romance of an Old-Fashioned Gentleman’ is one of his notable works, first published in 1903, which exhibits his mastery in portraying idyllic scenarios dovetailed with a touch of aristocratic nostalgia. The book, which regales the reader with the seasonal festivities of an old-school Southern gentleman, Colonel Carter, highlights Smith’s narrative finesse in illustrating endearing characters and their intricate lives with a blend of wit and sentimentality. Smith’s prose is marked by a gentle cadence and a vivid portrayal of the settings his characters inhabit, a reflection of his artistic background. While he may not be as widely remembered as his contemporaneous literary figures, Smith’s contributions to American literature offer a delightful glimpse into an era marked by decorum and a leisurely pace of life, and he remains appreciated by enthusiasts of early American fiction.