Henry Blake Fuller

Henry Blake Fuller
Henry Blake Fuller (1857–1929) was an American novelist and short story writer known for his works that explored the social and cultural landscapes of Chicago. He is often regarded as one of the first realists in American literature, with notable works like "The Cliff-Dwellers" (1893) and "With the Procession" (1895), which depict the complexities of urban life. Fuller was also an early advocate for gay rights, subtly addressing homosexual themes in his novel "Bertram Cope's Year" (1919). Despite his significant contributions to American literature, Fuller struggled with recognition during his lifetime, but his work is now appreciated for its pioneering exploration of social realism and LGBTQ themes.

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On the Stairs

On the Stairs

by: Henry Blake Fuller
I In the year 1873— No, do not turn away from such an opening; I shall reach our own day within a paragraph or so. In the year 1873, then, Johnny McComas was perfectly willing to stand to one side while Raymond Prince, surrounded by several of the fellows, came down, in his own negligent and self-assured way, the main stairway of Grant's Private Academy. For Johnny was newer there; Johnny was... more...
With the Procession

With the Procession

by: Henry Blake Fuller
I When old Mr. Marshall finally took to his bed, the household viewed this action with more surprise than sympathy, and with more impatience than surprise. It seemed like the breaking down of a machine whose trustworthiness had been hitherto infallible; his family were almost forced to the acknowledgement that he was but a mere human being after all. They had enjoyed a certain intimacy with him, in... more...
Under the Skylights

Under the Skylights

by: Henry Blake Fuller
I With the publication of his first book, This Weary World, Abner Joyce immediately took a place in literature. Or rather, he made it; the book was not like other books, and readers felt the field of fiction to be the richer by one very vital and authentic personality. This Weary World was grim and it was rugged, but it was sincere and it was significant. Abner's intense earnestness had left but... more...
Bertram Cope's Year

Bertram Cope's Year

by: Henry Blake Fuller
COPE AT A COLLEGE TEA What is a man's best age? Peter Ibbetson, entering dreamland with complete freedom to choose, chose twenty-eight, and kept there. But twenty-eight, for our present purpose, has a drawback: a man of that age, if endowed with ordinary gifts and responsive to ordinary opportunities, is undeniably—a man; whereas what we require here is something just a little short of that.... more...