Charles Fenno Hoffman (1806–84) was an American poet, novelist, and editor, associated with the Knickerbocker Group, a 19th-century circle of New York writers. His works explored romantic themes, frontier life, and American identity, earning literary recognition.
Born in New York City, Hoffman was the son of Josiah Ogden Hoffman, a prominent lawyer. At 11, he suffered a severe leg injury, leading to amputation, but pursued law studies at Columbia College, joining the New York bar in 1827. He soon shifted to journalism and literature.
Hoffman edited The Knickerbocker Magazine (1833,) The American Monthly Magazine (1836,) and The New York Mirror (1837.) His travel narrative A Winter in the Far West (1835) documented his frontier journey, while Wild Scenes in Forest and Prairie (1839) captured his experiences in nature.
His novel Greyslaer: A Romance of the Mohawk (1840) was inspired by the Beauchamp–Sharp Tragedy, a real-life murder case. His poetry collections The Vigil of Faith (1842) and The Echo (1844) showcased his lyrical style.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Charles Fenno Hoffman
Kindness is the evidence of greatness. If anyone is glad that you are here, then you have not lived in vain.
—Charles Fenno Hoffman
Topics: Kindness
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