Edgar Fawcett
Edgar Fawcett was a prominent American poet, novelist, and playwright of the nineteenth century, known for his contributions to literature during that era. Born in New York as the only son of a wealthy leather merchant, he received his education at Columbia University, focusing on literature despite his father's wishes for him to pursue a legal career. Fawcett graduated in 1867 and earned his M.A. in 1870. His novels, particularly "Ellen Story" (1876), often served as social satires that explored the aspirations of lower-class Americans seeking aristocratic status. While some critics described his works as repetitive, Fawcett's writing is recognized for helping to establish naturalism and realism in American literature. In addition to his novels, he was celebrated for his poetry, characterized by vivid imagery and lyrical expression, and he also wrote several successful plays, with "A Passé Friend" being one of his most notable works. Later in life, Fawcett relocated to London, where he continued his literary pursuits until his death in 1904. His legacy remains an important part of the literary landscape of his time.
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Edgar Fawcett
Writer
- Born: May 26, 1847
- Birthplace: New York, New York
- Died: May 2, 1904
- Place of death: London, England
Biography
Edgar Fawcett, a nineteenth century poet, novelist, and playwright, was born in New York. He was the only son of a wealthy leather merchant and his wife. He received his education from Columbia University in New York. While his father wanted Fawcett to study law, Fawcett chose to concentrate his studies almost exclusively on literature. Fawcett graduated in 1867 and went on to study for his M.A., which he received in 1870 from Columbia. Fawcett had many literary acquaintances but few close associates, and he lived his life as a confirmed bachelor.
Fawcett was a popular novelist in his day. His novels, such as Ellen Story (1876), were mainly written as social satires that showed lower-class Americans pushing towards the goal of aristocratic wealth. Though some have characterized his novels as repetitive and preachy, Fawcett’s works laid the groundwork for the use naturalism and realism in American literature. In addition to novels, Fawcett was also known for his poems, which contained vivid imagery and lyrical verses. Fawcett wrote several successful plays. The most noted of these, A Passé Friend, was written in 1880. In his later years, Fawcett moved to London, where he continued to write. Edgar Fawcett died in England in 1904.