James Lane Allen

James Lane Allen.

James Lane Allen (December 21, 1849 – February 18, 1925) was an American novelist and short story writer whose work, including the novel A Kentucky Cardinal, often depicted the culture and dialects of his native Kentucky. His work is characteristic of the late-19th century local color era, when writers sought to capture the vernacular in their fiction. Allen has been described as "Kentucky's first important novelist."

Biography

Allen was born near Lexington, Kentucky, and his youth there during the Ante-bellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction periods heavily influenced his writing. He graduated from Transylvania University in 1872, delivering the Salutatorian address in Latin. In 1893 Allen moved to New York City, where he lived until his death. He was a contributor to Harper's Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, and other popular magazines of the time. His novels include The Choir Invisible, which was a very popular best seller in 1897.[1][2]

Allen is buried in Lexington Cemetery. At the northern edge of Gratz Park in Lexington is the "Fountain of Youth", built in memory of Allen using proceeds willed to the city by him.[3]

James Lane Allen School, an elementary school off Alexandria Drive in Lexington, Kentucky is named in his honor.

Bibliography

Works published by Allen include:

Notes

  1. ↑ (6 October 1946). Fifty Years of Best Sellers, compiled in Popular Culture
  2. ↑ (19 February 1925). James Lane Allen, Author, Dies at 76: Creator of "The Choir Invisible" Collapses In Roosevelt Hospital From Chronic Insommnia, The New York Times
  3. ↑ Gratz Park Historic District, Lexington, Kentucky -- National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary at www.cr.nps.gov

Further reading

External links

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