Bliss Perry
Bliss Perry was an influential American literary critic, writer, editor, and educator whose work significantly shaped the landscape of American literature in the early 20th century. Born in 1860, he pursued a career in academia, ultimately becoming a professor at Williams College and later serving as the editor of the prestigious Atlantic Monthly. His editorial vision helped to elevate the magazine's status, making it a vital platform for contemporary writers and thinkers of his time. Perry's contributions to literary criticism are notable for their depth and insight, particularly in his analyses of American authors such as Walt Whitman and Henry James. His writings, including 'A Study of Prose Fiction' and 'The Art of Literature,' reflect his belief in the importance of literature as a means of understanding human experience. Through his teaching and editorial work, Perry fostered a generation of writers and critics, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of American literature that continues to influence literary scholarship today.
Famous Quotes
View all 4 quotes“An emotional shell? How could she say that? I laughed and smiled and joked all the time. I was happy. I was a blissfully content person.””
“At that moment, Kitty entered the room, and all conversation ceased, bathing the room in silence. The emerald gown clung to her feminine figure and her countenance beamed as if she were the happy bride herself. How beautiful she looked. So much like her sister. Thomas snuck a glance at Nathaniel, whose round eyes were sweeping over her from head-to-toe and up again. Thomas couldn’t hold back and leaned toward Nathaniel’s ear. “No bliss in your future?” The glare that shot from his friend’s eyes seared Thomas’s mouth shut, but it didn’t stop his smile, or the mocking chuckle that rumbled in his chest. Thomas’s””
“In earnest, I shall echo your earlier proclamation, my friend, and state that in my mind the acquaintance of not only Cyprian Wythe, but any lover of King George is a grave displeasure.” Thomas raised his glass. “Hear, hear, my friend.” “Then I am surprised that you are able to abide my presence.” Kitty’s stiff response blasted a hole through Nathaniel’s middle and the resulting silence choked the merriment from their little circle like thick black smoke. He looked up only to be censured from the shock that drained the light from her eyes. Her lips pressed tight, turning them colorless. The blood drained from his face. Idiot! He couldn’t bring himself to look away from her wounded expression, aching for words that would soothe the pain he’d inflicted. The pleasant tune from the quartet and the quiet hum of voices continued around them, each guest blissfully unaware of his thoughtless remark. Thomas reached out to her, his brow pinching. “Kitty, you must know our comments are no reflection on you.” “Are they not?” She handed her glass to Eliza. “If you’ll excuse me, I shall take my leave so as not to injure you with my presence any longer.” Kitty brushed between them before facing them one last time. “Forgive me, Eliza.” She darted from the room, holding her skirts as she wove through the tangle of party-goers toward the exit. The hollow chill her absence created smacked Nathaniel on the back of the head like an irritated father. He exchanged a narrow glance with Thomas before slamming his eyes shut. How could he be so foolish? How could he have allowed himself to say something so hurtful to someone so gracious? The temperature of the room went hot, then instantly cold. So much for your famous charm, Nathaniel. You’ve proven your lack of it with amazing skill. “I’m””
Books from the author
