William Dean Howells (March 1, 1837 - May 11, 1920) was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters".

A Modern Instance is regarded as one of the most pivotal works in the career of William Dean Howells; it solidified his reputation as a champion of realism in t

This classic of American realism depicts a clash of old and new worlds. Its portrait of a failing marriage explores social and moral issues involving family lif