"Biography at its best aims at resurrection. Anne Boyd Rioux has brought the novelist Constance Fenimore Woolson back to life for us. Hurrah!" —Robert D. Richardson, author of the Bancroft Prize–winning William James: In the Maelstrom of American ModernismConstance Fenimore Woolson (1840–1894), who contributed to Henry James’s conception of his heroine Isabelle Archer in The Portrait of a Lady, was one of the most accomplished American writers of ...

The Complete Works of Constance Fenimore WoolsonThis Complete Collection includes the following titles:--------1 - Anne2 - East Angels3 - Mentone, Cairo, and Corfu4 - Rodman the Keeper5 - Jupiter Lights6 - The Front Yard7 - For the Major8 - Solomon9 - Horace Chase10 - Dorothy and other Italian Stories11 - The Ancient City12 - Two Women, 1862; a Poem13 - Castle Nowhere...

A distant relative of the great American writer James Fenimore Cooper, Constance Fenimore Woolson emerged as an important female literary figure in the late-nineteenth century. In this fascinating volume, she recounts her extensive travels, offering readers a glimpse into a different era -- as well as the life of an independent woman during a time when those who took such liberties were often frowned upon.

In "Rodman the Keeper: Southern Sketches," Constance Fenimore Woolson intricately weaves a narrative that captures the essence of the Southern landscape and its complexities post-Civil War. The collection consists of vivid sketches and stories that highlight the idiosyncrasies of Southern life, interlacing rich descriptions with keen psychological insight. Woolson'Äôs prose is characterized by its lyrical style, showcasing her mastery of impressionistic techniques, which allow the reader t...

The novel follows Anne's journey from her childhood in the South to her experiences as a young woman living in the North. As she navigates the challenges of love, family, and societal expectations, Anne grapples with questions of identity, independence, and the meaning of freedom.Constance Fenimore Woolson's "Anne" is praised for its rich characterizations, vivid descriptions, and insightful exploration of themes such as gender roles, race, and the legacy of the Civil War. It remains a sig...

The story begins with Dorothy, a young American woman, arriving in Venice, Italy, accompanied by her aunt, Mrs. Herbert. They settle into a picturesque villa overlooking the Grand Canal, where Dorothy is immediately captivated by the beauty and romance of her surroundings.As Dorothy explores Venice, she encounters various characters, including the charming and aristocratic Count Cesano. The Count is drawn to Dorothy's innocence and beauty, and a mutual attraction begins to develop between ...

To celebrate her forthcoming biography of Constance Fenimore Woolson, Anne Boyd Rioux has selected the best of this classic writer's stories.Constance Fenimore Woolson (1840–1894) was one of the few nineteenth-century women writers considered the equal of her male peers. Harper & Brothers was so enamored of her work that the firm agreed to publish whatever she could write. In this gathering, Rioux has chosen fiction over the course of Woolson's life, including "In ...

The novelette "For the Major" revolves around the relationship between its two main characters: Major Ernest Everard and Miss Nettie Gaynor. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, the story explores themes of love, duty, and social expectations.Major Ernest Everard is a veteran of the Civil War, a man who has seen and experienced much during his military service. He is portrayed as a stoic and honorable figure, deeply respected by those around him. Miss Nettie Gaynor, on the o...

10 Complete Works of Constance Fenimore WoolsonAnneCastle NowhereEast AngelsFor the MajorHorace ChaseJupiter LightsMentone Cairo and CorfuRodman the KeeperSolomonThe Front Yard and the other Italian stories

The titular story features John Rodman, a Union veteran who is the caretaker of a cemetery for Union soldiers in the South. Rodman is dedicated to his duty but faces resentment and hostility from the local Southern community. The story focuses on his interactions with Bettina Ward, a Southern woman caring for her dying brother. Through their relationship, Woolson explores themes of reconciliation, respect, and the complexities of post-war identities.

Anne, standing straight again, surveyed the garland in silence. Then she changed its position once or twice, studying the effect. Her figure, poised on the round of the ladder, high in the air, was, although unsupported, firm. With her arms raised above her head in a position which few women could have endured for more than a moment, she appeared as unconcerned, and strong, and sure of her footing, as though she had been standing on the floor. There was vigor about her and elasticity, comb...

The novel begins with Horace Chase as a young boy growing up in a modest household in America. Despite his humble origins, Chase possesses a strong determination and ambition to succeed. Through hard work, intelligence, and a bit of luck, he manages to secure a job and gradually climbs the social ladder. His rise in the business world is marked by shrewd decisions and strategic alliances, eventually leading to his accumulation of wealth and influence.As Horace Chase becomes increasingly su...