Henry Mills Alden
Encyclopedia
Henry Mills Alden was an American
author and editor of Harper's Magazine for fifty years—from 1869 until 1919.
near Danby, Vt.
He graduated at Williams College
in 1857 and at the Andover Theological Seminary in 1860. Though he was licensed to preach, he chose other fields of endeavor.
From 1863 to 1869 he was managing editor of Harper's Weekly
, and in the latter year became editor of Harper's Monthly. In 1863-64, he lectured before the Lowell Institute
, Boston, on "The Structure of Paganism." He was known as a classical student of large acquirements, particularly in connection with Greek literature and thought; and his first literary ventures were two articles contributed to the Atlantic
on the Eleusinian Mysteries
.
His personality pervaded Harper's Magazine
during his long editorial service, which was unobtrusive but distinctive. He deigned to recognize the novice and to encourage the best kind of Americanism. He collaborated with A.H. Guernsey in the preparation of Harper's Pictorial History of the Great Rebellion (1862-65). His publications include a poem, The Ancient "Lady of Sorrow" (1871), two profound metaphysical essays, God in His World (1890, published anonymously), and A Study of Death (1895), both extensively read and enthusiastically received by critics, and Magazine Writing and the New Literature (1908). He married Ada Foster Murray on 22 February 1900 in Metuchen, New Jersey. His stepdaughter, Aline Murray Kilmer, was a published poet and wife of (Alfred) Joyce Kilmer, author of the famous "Trees" poem. With William Dean Howells
he edited numerous collections of stories by American writers. He was an early member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
author and editor of Harper's Magazine for fifty years—from 1869 until 1919.
Biography
He was born in Mount TaborMount Tabor, Vermont
Mount Tabor is a town in Rutland County, Vermont, United States. The population was 255 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and , or 0.11%, is water.-Demographics:...
near Danby, Vt.
Danby, Vermont
Danby is a town in Rutland County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,311 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and , or 0.22%, is water.-Geology:...
He graduated at Williams College
Williams College
Williams College is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States. It was established in 1793 with funds from the estate of Ephraim Williams. Originally a men's college, Williams became co-educational in 1970. Fraternities were also phased out during this...
in 1857 and at the Andover Theological Seminary in 1860. Though he was licensed to preach, he chose other fields of endeavor.
From 1863 to 1869 he was managing editor of Harper's Weekly
Harper's Weekly
Harper's Weekly was an American political magazine based in New York City. Published by Harper & Brothers from 1857 until 1916, it featured foreign and domestic news, fiction, essays on many subjects, and humor...
, and in the latter year became editor of Harper's Monthly. In 1863-64, he lectured before the Lowell Institute
Lowell Institute
The Lowell Institute is an educational foundation in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., providing for free public lectures, and endowed by the bequest of $250,000 left by John Lowell, Jr., who died in 1836. Under the terms of his will 10% of the net income was to be added to the principal, which in...
, Boston, on "The Structure of Paganism." He was known as a classical student of large acquirements, particularly in connection with Greek literature and thought; and his first literary ventures were two articles contributed to the Atlantic
The Atlantic Monthly
The Atlantic is an American magazine founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1857. It was created as a literary and cultural commentary magazine. It quickly achieved a national reputation, which it held for more than a century. It was important for recognizing and publishing new writers and poets,...
on the Eleusinian Mysteries
Eleusinian Mysteries
The Eleusinian Mysteries were initiation ceremonies held every year for the cult of Demeter and Persephone based at Eleusis in ancient Greece. Of all the mysteries celebrated in ancient times, these were held to be the ones of greatest importance...
.
His personality pervaded Harper's Magazine
Harper's Magazine
Harper's Magazine is a monthly magazine of literature, politics, culture, finance, and the arts, with a generally left-wing perspective. It is the second-oldest continuously published monthly magazine in the U.S. . The current editor is Ellen Rosenbush, who replaced Roger Hodge in January 2010...
during his long editorial service, which was unobtrusive but distinctive. He deigned to recognize the novice and to encourage the best kind of Americanism. He collaborated with A.H. Guernsey in the preparation of Harper's Pictorial History of the Great Rebellion (1862-65). His publications include a poem, The Ancient "Lady of Sorrow" (1871), two profound metaphysical essays, God in His World (1890, published anonymously), and A Study of Death (1895), both extensively read and enthusiastically received by critics, and Magazine Writing and the New Literature (1908). He married Ada Foster Murray on 22 February 1900 in Metuchen, New Jersey. His stepdaughter, Aline Murray Kilmer, was a published poet and wife of (Alfred) Joyce Kilmer, author of the famous "Trees" poem. With William Dean Howells
William Dean Howells
William Dean Howells was an American realist author and literary critic. Nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters", he was particularly known for his tenure as editor of the Atlantic Monthly as well as his own writings, including the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day" and the novel The Rise of...
he edited numerous collections of stories by American writers. He was an early member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.