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Brander Matthews

    James Brander Matthews was a pioneering American writer and educator who championed theater as a subject worthy of formal academic study. As the first full-time professor of dramatic literature at an American university, his interests spanned from classical playwrights to the burgeoning realism of his era. While his own fiction and plays are largely forgotten, his scholarly works on French dramatists and American literature offered insightful and rigorous analyses. Matthews' enduring legacy lies in his passionate advocacy for theater as a performance art and his demanding, yet engaging, approach to teaching stagecraft.

    Neo Destiny
    Studies Of The Stage (1894)
    The Rivals
    The Innocents Abroad
    Aspects of Fiction and Other Ventures in Criticism
    Vistas of New York
    • 2023

      This collection of essays by one of the foremost literary critics of the late nineteenth century covers a range of subjects related to the art of fiction. From the influence of the theater on the novel to the psychology of the reader, Matthews brings a sharp and insightful perspective to the study of literature. With a readable style and a wealth of examples, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the theory and practice of writing.

      Aspects of Fiction and Other Ventures in Criticism
    • 2023

      Tales of Fantasy and Fact

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      This collection of short stories includes both fantastical tales and realistic narratives. With a masterful touch, Matthews weaves together elements of imagination and reality to create stories that are both poignant and thought-provoking. Fans of short fiction and literary realism will find much to enjoy in this diverse and engaging collection.

      Tales of Fantasy and Fact
    • 2023

      Matthews, a prominent American literary figure, recalls his life and the culture of New York City in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This memoir is a valuable historical document as well as an entertaining and informative read.

      These Many Years: Recollections of a New Yorker
    • 2023

      A collection of essays by a prominent American literary critic and scholar, exploring the nuances and differences between American and British language, culture, and literature. Matthews' erudite and witty prose provides a fascinating window into the social and intellectual climate of turn-of-the-century America.

      Americanisms and Briticisms With Other Essays
    • 2023

      American Character

      • 358 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      A collection of essays by Brander Matthews about American literature and culture, including discussions of Poe, Hawthorne, and Whitman.

      American Character
    • 2023

      Vistas of New York

      • 270 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Brander Matthews takes us through the different aspects of New York City, from its architecture, to its people, to its diversity. This book is an excellent way to explore the city without leaving the comfort of your own home.

      Vistas of New York
    • 2023

      Outlines in Local Color

      • 278 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      This collection of short stories showcases the beauty and richness of local color, capturing the essence of characters and places in vivid detail. From sleepy southern towns to bustling city streets, these stories explore the unique personalities and customs of different regions.

      Outlines in Local Color
    • 2023

      A Study of Versification

      • 286 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      Matthews' study of versification is a classic text that examines the mechanics of poetic form. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in poetry and poetics.

      A Study of Versification
    • 2023

      A Confident Tomorrow: A Novel of New York

      • 316 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      Brander Matthews' novel of New York is a gripping account of a young man's struggle to make his way in the city. With vivid descriptions of urban life, and a cast of unforgettable characters, this book is a literary tour-de-force that deserves to be read and savored.

      A Confident Tomorrow: A Novel of New York
    • 2023

      Molière: His Life and His Works

      • 406 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      Molière is one of the greatest playwrights in the history of French literature, and this book offers a comprehensive look at his life and work. Drawing on primary sources and original research, this biography offers insight into Molière's creative process, his inspirations, and the plays that made him an enduring literary figure.

      Molière: His Life and His Works