Wilson Follett Quotes
Wilson Follett (1887-1963) was an American literary critic, editor, and author. He is best known for his contributions to the field of literary editing and his influential work on the English language.Follett was born in Massachusetts and attended Harvard University, where he later taught English. H…Read More
Wilson Follett (1887-1963) was an American literary critic, editor, and author. He is best known for his contributions to the field of literary editing and his influential work on the English language.Follett was born in Massachusetts and attended Harvard University, where he later taught English. He began his career as a literary editor at the Atlantic Monthly and later worked at various publishing houses, including Alfred A. Knopf.One of Follett’s most notable works is “Modern American Usage: A Guide,” which was first published in 1966 and has since become a standard reference for writers and editors. In this book, Follett provides a comprehensive guide to the English language, covering grammar, punctuation, and style.Follett also wrote several books on literary editing, including “The Modern Novel: A Study of the Purpose and Meaning of Fiction” and “The American Language: An Inquiry into the Development of English in the United States.”In addition to his own writing, Follett was a respected editor, working with renowned authors such as William Faulkner, Thomas Wolfe, and Robert Frost. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to improve the clarity and effectiveness of a writer’s work.Overall, Wilson Follett’s contributions to the field of literary editing and his influential work on the English language have solidified his place as a prominent figure in American literature.Read Less
Wilson Follett (1887-1963) was an American literary critic, editor, and author. He is best known for his contributions to the field of literary editing and his influential work on the English language.Follett was born in Massachusetts and attended Harvard University, where he later taught English. He began his career as a literary editor at the Atlantic Monthly and later worked at various publishing houses, including Alfred A. Knopf.One of Follett’s most notable works is “Modern American Usage: A Guide,” which was first published in 1966 and has since become a standard reference for writers and editors. In this book, Follett provides a comprehensive guide to the English language, covering grammar, punctuation, and style.Follett also wrote several books on literary editing, including “The Modern Novel: A Study of the Purpose and Meaning of Fiction” and “The American Language: An Inquiry into the Development of English in the United States.”In addition to his own writing, Follett was a respected editor, working with renowned authors such as William Faulkner, Thomas Wolfe, and Robert Frost. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to improve the clarity and effectiveness of a writer’s work.Overall, Wilson Follett’s contributions to the field of literary editing and his influential work on the English language have solidified his place as a prominent figure in American literature.
Wilson Follett Career Highlights
- Follett began his career as a teacher, but his love for literature led him to become an editor at the Atlantic Monthly in 1917. He later worked at the New York Herald Tribune and the New York Times Book Review.
- In 1929, Follett became the editor-in-chief of the Modern Library, a publishing company that aimed to make classic works of literature accessible to the general public. He played a crucial role in selecting and editing the books published by the Modern Library, which became hugely popular and influential.
- Follett’s most significant contribution to the literary world was his work on the American Dictionary of the English Language, which he co-edited with Clarence Barnhart. This dictionary, published in 1947, was a groundbreaking achievement and is still considered one of the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionaries in the English language.
- In addition to his work as an editor, Follett was also a prolific writer. He wrote several books, including “Modern American Usage: A Guide,” which became a standard reference for writers and editors. He also wrote numerous articles and essays on language and literature, showcasing his deep understanding and love for the written word.
Key Contributions by Wilson Follett
- Follett’s work on the Modern Library and the American Dictionary of the English Language revolutionized the way literature and language were perceived and studied. He played a crucial role in making classic works of literature accessible to a wider audience and in creating a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary that is still widely used today.
- As an editor, Follett was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to improve the writing of others without altering their voice. He was highly respected by his colleagues and authors for his keen eye and his dedication to preserving the integrity of the written word.
- Follett’s writing on language and literature was highly influential and helped shape the way writers and editors approached their craft. His book “Modern American Usage: A Guide” is still considered a must-read for anyone interested in the English language.
What Sets Wilson Follett Apart
- Follett’s deep understanding and love for language and literature set him apart from his peers. He was not only a skilled editor and writer but also a passionate advocate for the written word. His dedication to preserving the integrity of language and making it accessible to all is what made him stand out in the literary world.
- Follett’s attention to detail and his ability to improve the writing of others without altering their voice is a rare skill that set him apart from other editors. He was able to maintain the author’s voice while still making significant improvements to their work, a talent that is highly valued in the publishing industry.
Takeaways
- Wilson Follett’s career highlights and key contributions have left a lasting impact on the literary world. His work on the Modern Library and the American Dictionary of the English Language has shaped the way literature and language are studied and appreciated.
- Follett’s dedication to preserving the integrity of language and making it accessible to all is a valuable lesson for writers and editors. His meticulous attention to detail and his ability to improve writing without altering the author’s voice is a skill that aspiring editors should strive to emulate.
- Follett’s love for language and literature is a reminder of the power of words and the importance of preserving and celebrating them. His contributions to the literary world will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
Other People
Editor and writer
1956
Poet
· Massachusetts
1823 - 1884
Writer
· Massachusetts
1813 - 1892
Author
· Massachusetts
1825
