As our own year draws to an end, it’s time to reflect on what has passed in Kentucky’s history during this holiday-filled week. And what a way to start – on December 21st, in 1849, the world saw the birth of James Lane Allen, who has been commonly described as “Kentucky’s first important novelist”.
A Brief Biography
Born near Lexington, Kentucky, Allen’s writing was heavily influenced by his early life during the Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction periods of the region. He graduated from Transylvania University in 1872, delivering his Salutatorian address in Latin. In 1893 Allen moved to New York City, where he lived until his death in 1925.
A Lasting Legacy
Allen was a contributor to Harper's Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, and other popular magazines of the time. His novels included the very popular best seller, The Choir Invisible. His other works exemplify extensive research and dedication to finding the root of things, and appropriately considering the time of year – the origins of the myth of the mistletoe.
A Brief Biography
Born near Lexington, Kentucky, Allen’s writing was heavily influenced by his early life during the Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction periods of the region. He graduated from Transylvania University in 1872, delivering his Salutatorian address in Latin. In 1893 Allen moved to New York City, where he lived until his death in 1925.
A Lasting Legacy
Allen was a contributor to Harper's Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, and other popular magazines of the time. His novels included the very popular best seller, The Choir Invisible. His other works exemplify extensive research and dedication to finding the root of things, and appropriately considering the time of year – the origins of the myth of the mistletoe.
-David Ma