Neal, John, 1793-1876

American author and editor John Neal was born in Maine and raised as a Quaker, although he broke with the church at a young age due to his fighting. A career as a merchant was bankrupted by the War of 1812, and he turned to literature, joining Baltimore's Delphian Club. He served as editor of various journals, and wrote long, complexly-plotted adventure novels, as well as critical essays, always seeking to promote American literature. While living in England, he wrote a long series of articles published in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, essentially telling a history of American literature, which helped change the perception of American art in Great Britain. Back in America, he used his popularity and influence to support young writers such as Poe and Whittier.

From the description of John Neal letters, 1816-1864. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 68815730

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