Howells, William Dean. American novelist. Born in Martins Ferry, OH, 1837. Was United States consul at Venice from 1861 to 1865. From 1872 to 1881 he edited the "Atlantic Monthly," but soon began to devote his time to novel-writing. Among his works are: "Their Wedding Journey," "The Rise of Silas Lapham," "A Hazard of New Fortunes," "A Modern Instance," "The Quality of Mercy," "Criticism and Fiction," "My Literary Passions," and "The Leatherwood God," completed in his 18th year. Died 1920.

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