Authors and Friends (eBook)

Annie Fields (1834–1915) was a prominent figure in the American literary scene during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the wife of James T. Fields, a well-known publisher and editor, Annie was deeply immersed in the literary world and used her position to support and promote the careers of many celebrated authors. 'Authors and Friends' is among her notable works, where she offers personal insights and anecdotes about the literary figures she knew, such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Fields's writing is characterized by her intimate and warm portrayals of the personal lives of these authors, showing the human side of the literary giants of her time. Her work serves not only as a memoir but also as an important historical record of American literary culture. Fields was also known for her philanthropy and social reform work, particularly in support of women's rights and welfare. She curated a refined and intellectual social circle and hosted a literary salon that became a gathering place for writers, artists, and intellectuals. Her contributions to the American literary heritage and her support for social causes have made her an enduring figure in the landscape of American letters.