American author and editor (1837–1920) best known as the editor of the influential periodical Atlantic Monthly from 1871 to 1881 and as the author of the novel The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885) and the short story Editha (1905). Original unsigned handwritten poem, untitled, on an off-white 6 x 8.5 sheet, with a hand-drawn image of a woman in an elaborate frame at the top. Two-stanza poem consisting of 14 total lines, beginning, “Long in mock insult have we masked our love; But was with open hearts we came to prove, How fondly cherist she hath ever been, Whose beautifick image shine’s within.” Poem is double-matted and framed with an ink signature, “W. D. Howells,” on an off-white card and an original portrait to an overall size of 18 x 15.5. In fine condition. RR Auction COA.
