John William De Forest - Icon Profile | Alexandria
John William De Forest (1826-1906) stands as a pioneering figure in American literary realism and is credited with first calling for "the Great American Novel" in an 1868 essay. A Hartford-born author, Civil War veteran, and keen observer of American society, De Forest emerged as a vital bridge between the romantic traditions of his time and the realistic movement that would later define American literature.
First gaining recognition in the 1850s with historical works and travel writings, De Forest's literary career took shape against the backdrop of a nation grappling with profound transformation. His experiences as a Union officer during the Civil War, where he served in the Louisiana campaigns and later worked for the Freedmen's Bureau, provided him with firsthand observations that would inform his most significant works, including "Miss Ravenel's Conversion from Secession to Loyalty" (1867), considered by many scholars to be the first novel of the Civil War written from direct experience.
De Forest's literary innovation lay in his unflinching portrayal of reality, departing from the sentimentalized narratives popular in his era. His 1868 essay "The Great American Novel," published in The Nation, not only coined this enduring phrase but also established criteria for authentic American fiction that would influence generations of writers. Despite his groundbreaking contributions, De Forest's work remained relatively obscured during his lifetime, overshadowed by contemporaries like William Dean Howells and Henry James, though modern scholars increasingly recognize his crucial role in developing American literary realism.
The legacy of De Forest continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of American literature and national identity. His call for fiction that captures "the American soul" and his emphasis on authentic representation of American life presaged the development of modern American literature. Today, his works offer valuable insights into both the Civil War era and the evolution of American literary consciousness, while his concept of "the Great American Novel" remains a powerful touchstone in discussions of American literary ambition and achievement. De Forest's story serves as a reminder of how pioneering voices sometimes await later generations to fully appreciate their significance.