Cover of A Boy's Town

A Boy's Town

by William Dean Howells

First published
1890
Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"A Boy's Town" by William Dean Howells is a nostalgic novel written in the late 19th century. This work reflects on the innocence and complexity of boyhood as experienced through the eyes of the narrator, who draws on his childhood memories of a small town setting. The narrative seeks to capture the essence of boyhood adventures and the environment that shaped them." "At the start of the novel, the author introduces the concept of the "Boy's Town," emphasizing how the world appears to a boy aged between three and eleven. It paints a vivid picture of the setting—complete with rivers, canals, and plenty of outdoor adventures. The narrator recounts various experiences, much like a nostalgic reverie, recalling interactions with family, school life, and the myriad activities that occupied boys of his time, all while highlighting a certain innocence and misunderstanding inherent to childhood."

  • Boys

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #28727.

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