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In A Week at Leghorn, William Dean Howells takes readers on an evocative journey through 19th century Italy, blending travel writing with cultural analysis. Originally part of his collection Roman Holidays, and Others, this narrative captures the essence of Livorno (Leghorn), a bustling Tuscan port city. With his keen eye for detail, Howells vividly portrays the vibrant markets, medieval architecture, and the daily exchanges of sailors, merchants, and locals.
Perfect for readers interested in historical memoirs, autobiographical narratives, or cultural studies, A Week at Leghorn offers a nuanced and immersive glimpse into an Italy far removed from romanticized stereotypes.
About the author
William Dean Howells (1837.1920) was a towering figure of 19th-century American literature, known as both a prolific novelist and an influential literary critic. Often called the ' Dean of American Letters ', Howells championed literary realism and helped shape the tastes of an entire generation of readers and writers.
Howells is perhaps best known for his realistic novels that explored the subtleties of everyday life, such as The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Modern Instance. His works delicately dissect class dynamics, social ambition, and moral conflict in post-Civil War America. As a travel writer, he captured the essence of European culture, particularly in Italy, with evocative essays compiled in volumes such as Italian Journeys. In these, he blended travel memoir with cultural commentary, offering readers a literary window into the soul of cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome.
