Neal, John, 1793-1876

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1793-08-25
Death 1876-06-21
Americans,
English,

Biographical notes:

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

Novelist, poet, journalist, architect, art critic, attorney, feminist, and businessman; born in Portland, Me.

From the description of John Neal manuscripts, ca. 1829-1857. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 777210060

"Account of the great conflagration in Portland, July 4th & 5th, 1866) by John Neal, Maine author, was published in Portland, Maine by Starbird & Twitchell in 1866.

From the description of Account of the great conflagration in Portland, July 4th & 5th, 1866 : manuscript corrections, 1866. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 773814013

American author and editor.

From the description of Letters to George Bentham [manuscript], 1835 March 16 and 18. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647861994

Neal was an American author and editor.

From the description of Letters to various correspondents, 1841-1875. (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 122590183

From the description of Papers, 1803-1880. (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 81568759

From the guide to the Papers, 1803-1880., (Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University)

From the guide to the John Neal letters to various correspondents, 1841-1875., (Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University)

American author and lawyer; b. in Portland, Me.; moved to Boston, 1809 and Baltimore, 1815 where immersed himself in legal and literary study, during which time he wrote his first novel; practiced law in early 1820s and traveled to London; returned to settle in Portland, Me., and married his cousin, Eleanor Hall in 1828. They had five children: Mary, James, Margaret Eleanor, Eleanor, and John Pierpont Neal. While raising his family wrote several more novels, edited and published several periodicals, and became involved with a number of causes, including phrenology, gymnastics, boxing, women's rights, anti-racism, civic improvement, and temperance.

From the description of John Neal collection, 1786-1972. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 71057969

Author and editor, of Portland, Me.

From the description of ALS, 1848 Aug. 10. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 70979008

John Neal was born in Portland, Me. He was considered one of the first major art critics.

From the description of John Neal photograph albums, ca. 1860-1870. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 694776995

Novelist, poet, journalist, architect, art critic, attorney, feminist, and businessman.

From the description of John Neal letters, 1832-1858. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 320527836

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Subjects:

  • American literature
  • Publishers and publishing
  • Slavery
  • Art, American
  • American poetry
  • Authors and publishers
  • Autors, American
  • Cornerstone laying
  • Exiles
  • Finance, Personal
  • Law
  • Liquor laws
  • Male authors, American
  • Photography
  • Portland (Me.)
  • Temperance
  • Voyages and travels
  • Women

Occupations:

  • Authors, American
  • Poets, American
  • Authors

Places:

  • United States (as recorded)
  • Portland (Me.) (as recorded)
  • Maine--Portland (as recorded)
  • Washington, Mount (N.H.) (as recorded)
  • Massachusetts--Boston (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • Maine (as recorded)
  • Nicaragua (as recorded)
  • Maine--Portland (as recorded)
  • Maine (as recorded)
  • Portland (Me.) (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • Maine--Portland (as recorded)
  • Portland (Me.) (as recorded)
  • Poland (as recorded)

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