"William Dean Howells (March 1, 1837 – May 11, 1920) was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed «„The Dean of American Letters“». He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for his own prolific writings, including the Christmas story «„Christmas Every Day“» and the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria. This collection includes the works of William Dean Howells: Wild Flowers of the Asphalt Christmas Every Day The Pony Engine and the Pacific Express"