The Friendly Club and Other Portraits

"The Friendly Club and Other Portraits" by Francis Parsons is a non-fiction historical narrative that highlights the lives and works of important American literary figures, especially those connected to the Hartford Wits, which was a group of writers and intellectuals in the late 1700s. The book brings these poets and thinkers to life, and it portrays their personalities, friendly relationships, and creative goals. It also investigates the context of their writings, exploring their literary dreams, the challenges they faced, and the cultural backdrop of the American Revolution that influenced their creations. Parsons focuses on individuals like Joel Barlow and John Trumbull, pointing out their important contributions to literature and the social commentary of their time.