Cambridge Neighbors (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)

"Cambridge Neighbors (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)" by William Dean Howells is a window into the vibrant literary world of late 19th-century Cambridge, Massachusetts, where friendships fueled creativity and shaped literary aspirations. Through personal stories and insightful observations, the author vividly portrays his connections with influential figures like Professor Francis J. Child and poet Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen, capturing their unique personalities and shared dedication to literature. The memoir highlights the close-knit literary community and explores how these friendships not only impacted Howells's own development as a writer but also contributed to the overall cultural landscape of the time. Recounted are times with remarkable individuals and their shared passion for all things literature.