Hoffman, Charles Fenno, 1806-1884

Charles Fenno Hoffman was an American author and editor. Born in New York, he prepared to study law and joined his father's firm; upon his father's death, he decided to make his living in literature. He began by contributing anonymous essays and articles, and soon became an editor and one of the city's most visible writers. In addition to his editing accomplishments, Hoffman was perhaps best known for a series of essays written during his trip by horseback from New York to St. Louis, a hazardous journey at the time made more dangerous by a boyhood accident that had left him with one leg. Emotional breakdowns led to voluntary hospitalization in Pennsylvania in 1849, with what may be thought of as manic-depression. Despite various optimistic reports, he lived essentially the rest of his life in the Harrisburg State Hospital.

From the description of Charles Fenno Hoffman letters, 1829-1861. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 60494898

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