Author: John Neal

John Neal (1793–1876) was an American writer, critic, and lecturer, who played a critical role in the early development of American literature and arts. Born in Portland, Maine, Neal was a pioneering figure in advocating for the American literary voice, distinct from its European counterparts. He was prolific in his contributions, which included novels, poetry, essays, and critiques, and he was known for his progressive views on women”s rights and abolitionism. “Great Mysteries and Little Plagues” (1870) is one of Neal”s works that exemplify his inclination towards themes of societal norms and unconventional thinking. Known for his eclectic and somewhat unorthodox literary style, Neal often imbued his writings with a sense of energy and urgency, reflective of his outspoken personality and his advocacy for American innovation in the arts. His literary works, while not as widely recognized in the modern literary canon, were influential in his time for challenging established norms and encouraging a sense of American independence and creativity in literature. Neal”s efforts extended beyond his own writings as he mentored other writers and contributed to the burgeoning American aesthetic that would come to define the nation”s cultural identity in the 19th century and beyond.