William Dean Howells, influential novelist, critic, and editor, died on May 11, 1920, after a distinguished career that helped define American literary realism. Though born in Ohio, Howells maintained close ties to South Berwick through his friendship with Sarah Orne Jewett, whose home he frequently visited. As editor of The Atlantic Monthly, Howells played a pivotal role in shaping American literature in the late 19th century. He championed writers such as Mark Twain and Henry James, advocating for a style grounded in everyday experience rather than romantic idealization. Howells’ own works, including The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885), explored themes of social mobility, ethics, and the changing American landscape. His writing reflected a commitment to realism and a belief in literature as a means of understanding society. His time in South Berwick placed him within a vibrant literary circle, where ideas were exchanged and refined. The region’s influence is evident in the quiet observational tone that characterizes much of his work. Beyond fiction, Howells was a respected critic and essayist, using his platform to promote new voices and ideas. His influence extended across decades, shaping both the direction of American literature and the careers of those who followed. He is remembered as a central figure in American letters—a writer and editor whose legacy endures in the continued relevance of literary realism.