Brander Matthews

Brander Matthews (February 21, 1852 – March 31, 1929) was an American essayist, drama critic, novelist, and the first full-time professor of dramatic literature at Columbia University in New York. He was a prolific writer, producing over 40 books on a wide range of topics, including drama, fiction, and criticism.

Early Life and Education

Brander Matthews was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 21, 1852. His father, James Matthews, was a lawyer and journalist, and his mother, Caroline Matthews, was a writer. Matthews received his early education in private schools in New Orleans and New York City. He then attended Columbia College, where he graduated with honors in 1871.

After graduating from Columbia, Matthews studied law at Columbia Law School. However, he soon realized that he was more interested in writing than in law. He began his writing career as a journalist, working for the New York Evening Post and other newspapers. In 1877, he published his first book, French Dramatists of the Nineteenth Century.

Career as a Writer and Professor

In the 1880s and 1890s, Matthews established himself as a leading critic of drama and fiction. He wrote numerous articles and reviews for newspapers and magazines, and he published several books on these topics. He also began to write novels and plays of his own.

In 1892, Matthews was appointed to the faculty of Columbia University as a professor of literature. In 1900, he became the first full-time professor of dramatic literature at Columbia. Matthews taught at Columbia for over 30 years, and he had a profound influence on the development of drama criticism and teaching in the United States.

Principles and Philosophy

Brander Matthews was a strong believer in the importance of realism in literature and drama. He believed that art should reflect life as it is, not as it should be. He was also a strong advocate for the study of drama as a serious academic discipline.

Matthews's philosophy of drama was based on the belief that drama is a social art form that can be used to explore the human condition. He believed that drama should be entertaining, but it should also be thought-provoking.

Notable Works

Matthews's most notable works include:

• French Dramatists of the Nineteenth Century (1877)
• The Development of the Drama (1891)
• An Introduction to the Study of American Literature (1896)
• The Principles of Playmaking (1909)
• These Many Years: Recollections of a New Yorker (1917)

Death and Legacy

Brander Matthews died on March 31, 1929, at the age of 77. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the development of drama criticism and teaching in the United States. He was also a prolific and versatile writer, producing works of fiction, criticism, and scholarship.

Interesting Fact

Matthews was a close friend of Mark Twain and William Dean Howells. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Institute of Arts and Letters.

Conclusion

Brander Matthews was a major figure in the development of American literature and drama. He was a prolific and versatile writer, producing works of fiction, criticism, and scholarship. He was also a strong advocate for realism in literature and drama. Matthews's legacy continues to be felt today, and his work is still studied and performed by students and professionals alike.