The Selected Letters of Elizabeth Stoddard

Book excerpt: Although she wrote voluminously in a range of genres, including fiction, poetry, and journalism, Elizabeth Stoddard has mainly been known as the wife of poet Richard Henry Stoddard. Here, editors Stockton (Southwestern University) and Putzi (College of William and Mary) collect 84 of her letters, organized chronologically from 1851 to 1902. The letters offer insight into her explorations of identity, especially her identification with the New York City literati, and provide a literary and cultural history of the city, which was the nation's printing and publishing capital during the mid to late 19th century. The letters have been selected to reflect a wide range of her experiences, opinions, and interests. A detailed introduction provides a review her life. The book also includes a timeline and a few b&w historical photos. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).